[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MISS NOELLE SCHILLER, DISTRICT WINNER OF RESPECTEEN SPEAK FOR 
                             YOURSELF AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Miss Noelle Schiller, an 
outstanding young student and District Winner of this year's RespecTeen 
Speak for Yourself Award. RespecTeen's program encouraged students to 
write a letter to their Representative in Congress. Miss Schiller is an 
eighth grade student at Millbrook Junior/Senior High School in Upstate 
New York. Her award-winning letter compassionately outlined the problem 
and detailed her selfless action concerning homeless children in our 
nation.
  Miss Schiller's letter described the way she personally assisted 
homeless children in America. Through a church sponsored program, 
Noelle collected items which would be of use to homeless children. Her 
words speak best to the impact of these small gifts: ``The articles 
seemed like so little, but to these children they mean so much.'' As a 
member of the United States House of Representatives Housing and 
Community Opportunity Subcommittee, I share Noelle's desire to find 
safe and affordable housing for all. I applaud her leadership in this 
noble cause.
  I commend Miss Schiller's interest and enthusiasm in addressing one 
of this country's most serious issues. RespecTeen's Speak for Yourself 
program encourages students like Noelle to learn more about America's 
government. The purpose of the letter writing project was to learn more 
about our democratic system of government and encourage young people to 
interact with government officials. The program obviously had a 
positive impact on Noelle and provided her first hand experience of our 
democratic process.
  Noelle and her parents, Katherine and James, reside in Salt Point, 
New York, within the 22nd Congressional District. In honor of her 
superior achievement, RespecTeen awarded Miss Schiller a United States 
Savings Bond. Noelle is an intelligent young student who deserves high 
praise.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Noelle Schiller on her 
receipt of the RespecTeen Speak for Yourself Award. Also, please join 
me in wishing her the very best of luck in all her future endeavors.

                          ____________________