[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO STUDENTS OF ELDERTON HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
share with you and my colleagues a very uplifting story about an 
extraordinary group of young people in Elderton, Pennsylvania.
  Two years ago, under the guidance of some very enthusiastic and 
involved high school teachers and the sponsorship of the Armstrong-
Indiana County Intermediate Unit, a group of six high school students 
started a program called Applebee Pond. The program, which was created 
by the Mercer County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc., involves a 
puppet show performed by a group of high school kids for grade school 
children. However, this program is not merely an extracurricular 
activity--it is much more. That's because the purpose of the program is 
to teach very young children of grade school age the dangers of 
smoking.
  The group of high school students, which now numbers over twenty 
students ranging in age from 14 to 18, travels to grade schools 
throughout the area putting on a variety of programs for a very 
attentive audience of children. The message of avoiding smoking is 
delivered to the younger children through puppet characters they enjoy 
and is positively reinforced through the older kids, who they look up 
to and who serve as powerful role models.
  As priceless as is the lesson being taught to the youngsters, though, 
perhaps the most extraordinary thing about this program is the impact 
it has had on the high school students--both those participating in the 
program as well as their peers. Participation in the program is 
selective and competitive. The students must maintain good grades and 
promise not to drink, smoke, or be involved with any drugs. Since the 
program started, the students associated with it have become so popular 
by setting an example of a healthy, athletic, positive lifestyle, that 
other students have actually quit smoking to be able to join. Parents 
praise the program and call to find out how their children can 
participate. Their brightly colored, easily recognized T-shirts are 
proudly-worn status symbols. They work well with their teachers and are 
well-known within their community. Some students who have graduated 
even come back to spend time helping out with the program.
  At a time when young people are so often noticed only when they do 
something wrong, I am very proud to be able to share with you the story 
of these terrific teenagers and the wonderful gift they are giving to 
their classmates, their community, and to themselves. They are 
demonstrating what cool really is--being a leader, a good student, and 
living a healthy lifestyle.

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