[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 59 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                           THE QUEST PROGRAM

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, today, there is much focus on the 
problems in our schools but, I would like to bring to your attention 
the students and citizens in the great State of New Jersey who are 
doing something to make our schools a better place to learn and grow. 
The Quest Program is an amazing group of 11- and 12-year-olds who are 
positively affecting the student body and facilities at Dr. John Howard 
Jr. Unique School of Excellence in East Orange, NJ.
  Noting the rise of suspensions and other discipline issues in their 
school, a group of 13 fourth and fifth graders gathered under the 
leadership of their teacher, Ms. Christine McAdams, and created the 
Quest Program. They developed this program to find ways to improve 
student behavior. Volunteering more than 400 hours toward the goal of 
bettering the student body, these young people established 14 
enrichment programs through which students could positively direct 
their youthful energy and exuberance. These exceptional students even 
successfully bought property to expand their school playground by 
researching grant and funding opportunities in their community.
  The Quest Program placed first in New Jersey in the junior division 
of the Community Problem Solving Component of the International Future 
Problem Solving Program. The Dr. John Howard Community Problem Solving 
Team will represent New Jersey at the International Competition in 
Athens, Georgia this June.
  These 13 students are an excellent example of the creativity and 
dedication of which America's young people are capable. Joshua Baily, 
Sabre Burroughs, Teri Jones, Orion Khan, Kamiah Mitchell, Shanteea 
Moore, Chetachi Odelugo, Cory Patterson, Rubi Ramirez, Katiria Torres, 
Reymond Torres, John Wilson, and Minette Wilson are a credit to their 
families, their school, and the State of New Jersey.
  As a Senator who believes very strongly in the importance of 
education, I am exceptionally proud of these prodigious young people 
and their decision to spend their time and energy making their school a 
better place to learn. It is my hope that you will join me in wishing 
them good luck in June and in all of their future endeavors.

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