[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING LOUNSBERRY HOLLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, each and every day Americans are exposed 
to a deluge of negative images of our younger citizens. Television, 
radio and newspaper reports are replete with stories of the misdeeds of 
young Americans. Frankly, coverage of ringing alarm bells and scandal 
sells.
  However, this kind of coverage does not tell the entire story. Nor it 
is fair to the millions of younger Americans who are doing good, 
helping their friends and neighbors and volunteering to improve their 
communities.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise this today to draw the attention of my 
Colleagues to the efforts of just one group of young people--the 
students at the Lounsberry Hollow Middle School. This weekend I was 
pleased and gratified to participate as the Vernon Township Fireman's 
Association honored this group of community-minded, energetic 
youngsters. Under the guidance of the Director of the School's 
``enrichment program'', their outstanding teacher, Vernoy Paolini, the 
students at Lounsberry Hollow Middle School worked for over 2\1/2\ 
years to raise $36,000 to help fire fighters do their lifesaving work.
  These students in Vernon Township have set a record and a high 
standard for all of us to recognize.
  Nearly three years ago, the students became interested in an emerging 
firefighting technology--thermal imaging cameras. The students embarked 
on an effort to raise the funds to provide Vernon's firefighters with 
these cameras. They organized a range of creative activities. They 
sponsored Tupperware Bingo, sold pens and pencils, sponsored games, 
collected cans, gathered food, sold 15,000 lollipops, established the 
``Change Makes a Difference'' program, etc. With this dedication and 
commitment, they raised over $36,000.
  In the meantime, State Senator Bob Littell (R-Franklin) stepped in 
and through his leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee, 
provided communities all across the state assistance to purchase the 
thermal cameras.
  Undaunted, the young people rededicated themselves to helping reduce 
fire dangers. They changed their focus and purchased a ``Safety House 
Trailer'' for the various area fire departments to use in their fire 
prevention and training activities.
  Clearly, these students had help--assistance from their teachers, 
community leaders, elected officials, and parents. All of them deserve 
our heartfelt thanks for their role in this project.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend and congratulate Lounsberry Middle 
School, its faculty and staff. But I also rise to offer, on behalf of 
the Sussex County community, my heartfelt thanks to its students. They 
are great Americans and their actions typify the kind of community 
dedication that has made America strong.

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