[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 26, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E326]]



                   SEANTA JOHNSON IS LEADING THE WAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 1997

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man of 
outstanding character, courage, and compassion. Seanta Johnson, an 
African-American youth and a junior at Hayward High School in my 
district, is showing us what he's made of--and is encouraging other bay 
area youth to do the same.
  Much to the delight of his mom, who describes him as a ``self-
starter,'' Seanta finds time to juggle school, sports, and community 
service. Seanta is an inquisitive student who is enthusiastic about 
school and who has maintained a high grade point average throughout his 
high school career. The second of three children, Seanta will be the 
first in his family to attend a 4-year college. He hopes to continue to 
study his favorite subjects, physiology and anatomy, and to prepare to 
enter the field of sports medicine. Seanta is also a member of the 
Hayward High School track and field team, and specializes in throwing 
the shot put. In addition to the demands of his busy schedue, Seanta 
has held a part-time job at Pizza Hut since age 15.
  During his free time, Seanta can be found at the East Oakland Youth 
Development Center, assisting children with organized physical 
development activities like weight training and basketball. More 
importantly, he takes the time to talk with them about working hard in 
school, finishing their homework, helping out at home, and treating 
themselves and others with respect. Seanta's family and teachers say he 
sets an excellent example for the youth at the center. He demonstrates 
confidence and leadership when advising kids at the center, and they 
look to him as a leader, teacher, and friend.
  Today, more than ever, our society is in danger of dividing itself 
along racial, economic, religious, political, and gender lines. The 
burning of black churches, the tensions over proposition 209, and the 
battle over welfare reform all threaten to divide us--but young men 
like Seanta remind us that we should be kinder to our neighbors and 
more sensitive to the needs of the children in our communities.
  This outstanding youth is devoting his time, talent, and imagination 
to helping the youth in the bay area to follow their dreams and pursue 
their goals. I believe we should learn from his shining example.

                          ____________________