[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1239-E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE OLIVER PROJECT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD A. PEASE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. PEASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a very 
unique teen leadership program being held here in Washington, DC., this 
week; the Orphan Foundation of America's 1997 Oliver Project. The 
Oliver Project was established to highlight the hope and potential of 
America's foster youth by focussing a positive spotlight on their 
abilities and accomplishments.
  The 12 youths participating in the 1997 Oliver Project are bright and 
shining examples of what's right in America. Despite having young lives 
that were filled with loss, disappointment, and chaos, these young men 
and women have shown us that the American spirit is still alive and 
strong. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves each of these students 
made a decision to fight for themselves, and what was important to 
them. Each knew instinctively that education was the key. Even though 
their turbulent lives sometimes made staying focussed difficult, they 
each persevered.
  All 12 have also expressed a sincere desire to give back to their 
communities, and indeed they have already begun to do so by being 
active in everything from church youth groups

[[Page E1240]]

and choirs, to community clean-up projects, to feeding the homeless and 
homebound AIDS patients, to working with physically and mentally 
challenged youngsters. They have played sports, joined teams, held down 
jobs, and been recognized and honored--both locally and nationally--for 
their scholastic abilities. In short, these six young women and six 
young men have shown us that, if given a chance, every child has the 
ability to succeed.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally commend each of the 
12 students participating in the 1997 Oliver Project, as well as the 
Orphan Foundation of America for giving these young Americans a chance 
to be tomorrow's leaders.

                          ____________________