[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CARE BY CELEBRATING CHILDREN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES C. GREENWOOD

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 2002

  Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Care by 
Celebrating Children Day on April 26, a day set aside to acknowledge 
and celebrate the contributions of children that make the world a 
better place for us all. Today, we invite every adult to visit their 
child in school, where they will learn about and admire the ways in 
which those children grow every day. By distinguishing their efforts 
and accomplishments, this day helps to raise the self-esteem of the 
children, builds bridges between the community and the school, 
introduces the children to role models, and teaches the children about 
their value to the community.
  It is also my privilege to introduce Ms. Gail Delevich in conjunction 
with this day. Ms. Delevich is an elementary school teacher in the 
Central Bucks School District, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She 
spearheaded this initiative at her elementary school, after she was 
disheartened at the multitude of negative media coverage of American 
schools in the wake of the Columbine tragedy and other episodes of 
school violence. Rather than chastise students or criticize our 
education system as inadequate to prevent violence, this day celebrates 
children and their accomplishments as students, athletes, artists and 
young leaders.
  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey have 
already declared a day each April as Care by Celebrating Children Day, 
and I present this remark in hope of expanding the day's recognition to 
the national level. I hope that this day, which honors, celebrates, and 
encourages our children, our most precious resource, will empower 
children to believe in themselves, working hard to prepare for their 
future and for the future of our Nation.

                          ____________________