[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MARCUS HOUSTON OF DENVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor 
Marcus Houston, a young student from Thomas Jefferson High School in 
Denver who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer 
service to his community. Mr. Houston was named one of Colorado's top 
honorees in the 2000 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program, an 
annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in 
each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
  Marcus developed the ``Just Say Know'' program that educates middle 
level students about what is necessary to succeed academically, 
socially, and athletically in high school. Noticing the numbers of 
fellow students who were ineligible for participation in athletics due 
to poor grades or conduct, Marcus developed a motivational presentation 
based on his own successes. The ``Just Say Know'' program demonstrates 
how a student's personal presentation can influence his or her 
performance both in school and on the field. In addition to his 
motivational speeches, Mr. Houston developed an essay contest, which he 
funds out of his own pocket, that encourages students to write about 
what success means to them and how they plan to personally succeed.
  Mr. Houston should be extremely proud to have been selected from such 
a large group of volunteers. I heartily applaud him for his initiative 
in seeking to make his community a better place to live, and for the 
positive impact he has had on the lives of others. Marcus has 
demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly 
extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and 
respect. His actions show that young Americans can and do play 
important roles in our communities and provide us with tremendous 
promise for the future.

                          ____________________