[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARIAH MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a young student for her 
devotion and award-winning community service. On February 4, 1999, 
Mariah Martin was named one of Colorado's top honorees in the 1999 
Prudential Spirit Awards program, an annual honor bestowed upon the 
most impressive student volunteers.
  Mariah is a seventeen-year-old junior attending Poudre High School in 
Fort Collins, Colorado. Although her own education is foremost, Mariah 
divides her free time educating area youth. As a member of the Moose 
International Youth Awareness Program, Mariah has the opportunity to 
work with many different children's programs. Through these meetings, 
Mariah realized the importance of teaching positive lifestyles at an 
early age. As a result, Mariah took the initiative in designing her own 
curriculum. In January of 1998 her ideas were presented in the form of 
a nine-week education and self-esteem program for second grade 
students. The program includes activities on self-esteem, drug and 
alcohol prevention, smart decision making, healthy habits, problem 
solving and violence prevention. Success has led Mariah and her program 
to be invited into five more classes of second grade students.
  At a time when many statistics suggest a downward trend in youth 
community service, the Prudential Spirit of Community Award creates a 
positive influence in honoring and rewarding outstanding individuals 
like Mariah. In only four years, the program has become the nation's 
largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, 
with more than 50,000 youngsters participating. Programs such as 
Prudential's, reinforce community service at an early age.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Mariah Martin and all 
of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards winners. With confidence, 
I look forward to their leadership in America.

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