[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 38 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SOUTH GLENS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL MARATHON DANCE CELEBRATES 21 YEARS OF 
                              VOLUNTEERISM

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, these days, young people are often 
discounted as self-absorbed and apathetic about the problems facing 
others in their community and society at large. The students at South 
Glens Falls High School in my congressional district in upstate New 
York prove that this stereotype does not universally apply. Over the 
past twenty-one years, the remarkable students of South High have 
raised over $400,000 for local individuals and projects, dedicating 
their time and effort to making life easier for their less fortunate 
neighbors.
  On March 6-7, 1998, South Glens Falls High School held its 21st 
annual Marathon Dance. Under a spinning ball and colored lights, 243 
high school students danced for twenty-seven hours, with family and 
friends looking on in the special t-shirts which they had bought in 
support of the students' efforts. When it was over, the jubilant young 
people celebrated the highest total in two decades of the Marathon, as 
the announcement came that the dance had raised $54,000 through direct 
pledge money and other sources in the community, including a church 
benefit breakfast. Another year's worth of tremendous effort has 
resulted in yet another astounding success.
  The impressive amount of money raised will reach several charitable 
destinations. First, a new van will be purchased for a local citizen 
with multiple sclerosis, which will allow her to travel as needed to 
attend to her daily activities. The remaining funds will be divided 
between donations to a medical mission which aids the impoverished in 
Guatemala, a fund used to help local families at holiday time, and a 
fund dedicated to supporting a local youngster who is fighting Pompe's 
Disease. Through their hard work and determination, the students of 
South High help to ensure that others, both within and far from their 
community, know that they are not alone in coping with the travails of 
their daily lives.
  Mr. Speaker, the efforts of South High's students stand as an example 
of how young people can and should give back to their community. These 
remarkable young people have shown just how vibrant the spirit of 
volunteerism remains in the small towns and cities of upstate New York, 
and I am proud to count them among my neighbors. With that in mind, Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that all members join me in paying tribute to the 
students of South Glens Falls High School on the occasion of their 21st 
Annual Dance Marathon. Their success has been truly spectacular, and, 
considering their dedication to these selfless pursuits, I know will be 
duplicated or even eclipsed in the years to come.

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