[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E283-E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING JOHN PLACK AS TOP STUDENT VOLUNTEER IN PRUDENTIAL 
                 FINANCIAL'S SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2002

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of John 
Plack, my constituent from New Hyde Park who has been chosen as a top 
student volunteer in Prudential Financial's Spirit of Community Awards, 
a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of 
volunteerism. John is one of only nine students from New York chosen 
for this award. He will receive an engraved bronze Distinguished 
Finalist medallion in the Prudential Spirit of Community Award 
ceremony.
  John is a sixteen-year-old junior at New Hyde Park Memorial High 
School. John's project was to create the ``Children Helping Children 
Remembrance Quilt.'' He headed the worldwide effort to make remembrance 
quilts from squares displaying personalized messages of condolence and 
hope for children affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks.
  Thanks to John our community will always remember the support and 
help given by the world to New York during a desperate time. Children 
everywhere will always be aware of the contributions made by many to a 
city in need. Our community can rest assured that its future is in good 
hands with people like John demonstrating outstanding public service.
  The awards, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the 
National Association of Secondary School Principals, honor young people 
for outstanding community service. This year, a record 28,000 youth 
volunteers across the country were considered for these awards.
  John's ideas and creativity show his vision and determination to make 
the world a better place. It is refreshing to see such a young person 
with such a mature outlook and it bodes

[[Page E284]]

well for our future generations. I applaud John for his hard work, 
generosity and leadership. Long Island is proud to commend such a 
talented young individual.
  We are fortunate to have John Plack in Nassau County.

                          ____________________