[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING OUTSTANDING STUDENT GABRIELLA CONTRERAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Gabriella Contreras, a 
pupil at Roskruge Middle School in Tucson, Arizona, who has been 
recognized by the prestigious 1999 Prudential Spirit of Community 
Awards Program. This award salutes the most impressive student 
volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
  With today's media focusing on tragic stories of troubled 
adolescents, we must not overlook those teenagers with high ideals and 
strong community values. Gabriella personifies those qualities and is a 
true role model in guiding other youth into positive activities that 
enhance their communities.
  As an elementary student, Gabriella was concerned over the gang 
violence, riots, and drug use which was evident within a neighboring 
high school. Determined to become part of a solution before her class 
entered that school, she organized a group of eight friends who 
picketed the school with placards bearing anti-violence and anti-drug 
slogans. Through the years, that core group continued to grow as it 
organized activities aimed at channeling teenagers into constructive 
endeavors. Today, Gabriella's group has become a community service 
organization which fills the dual role of improving local neighborhoods 
while providing a positive group setting for teenagers to identify with 
as an alternative to gang membership.
  Gabriella Contreras and the other recipients of the Prudential Spirit 
of Community Award have demonstrated outstanding initiative and act as 
an inspiration to other youth. As such, they represent a warm ray of 
sunshine during these times of bewildering incidents involving violent 
and disturbed young people. They are the individuals who will lead 
their generation into a productive and bright future, and I salute 
their efforts on behalf of their communities and our nation.




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