[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E116]]
  RECOGNIZING THE MILLENNIUM PLEDGE MADE BY STUDENTS AT SLEEPY HOLLOW 
                  ELEMENTARY, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Speaker, on Thursday, January 16, 2000, I 
joined students, teachers, and school officials at Sleepy Hollow 
Elementary School as the final student signatures were added to the 
school's ``Millennium Pledge.'' These students have decided to enter 
the new millennium as leaders dedicated to making their world more 
respectful and tolerant. In a campaign spearheaded by Sleep Hollow's 
student council, I praise the students for committing themselves to 
this endeavor. These students are taking an admirable and challenging 
step. The plan is simple, action oriented, and it allows each and every 
student to assume a leadership position that can truly make a 
difference in their everyday lives.
  The pledge kicks off a year-long character education campaign at the 
school. After student council members added their signatures on January 
16th, the pledges were hung outside classrooms to serve as a reminder 
of their resolution, which reads:

       With my signature, I recognize that I possess the power to 
     affect the world around me. It is my pledge to use this power 
     to spread kindness and respect, to be accepting and tolerant, 
     and to walk away from negative and aggressive situations. As 
     a future leader of America it is my resolution to enter this 
     new millennium as a nation that values life and respects our 
     rights to live and learn in a safe society. I am the future 
     of America. The future begins today, and it begins with me.

  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I again would like to commend these fine 
young students at Sleepy Hollow Elementary for their courage and 
strength in accepting this challenge from their peers. These students 
have signed a pledge making ``kindness and respect'' their resolution 
for the new millennium. This is a pledge I would encourage all people, 
young and old, to take.

                          ____________________