[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E705-E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2002

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor some very special 
young people who have made considerable contributions to Rhode Island's 
communities. In particular, I would like to recognize the achievements 
of Ms. Nichole Magnifico of Warwick, RI and Ms. Kristin Pallister of 
East Greenwich, RI. These two young women have been selected to receive 
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for outstanding community 
service.
  Ms. Nichole Magnifico is a high school senior. She is being 
recognized for organizing the first special needs cheerleading squad in 
the state of Rhode Island. With Ms. Magnifico's guidance the squad 
raised funds and began cheering at Special Olympics basketball games, 
including the Special Olympics Basketball Championship.
  Ms. Kristin Pallister, an eighth-grader, volunteered at a nursing 
home for Alzheimer's patients. Ms. Pallister provided comfort and 
company to the residents, and has demonstrated her commitment to those 
in need.
  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created in 1995 by 
Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of 
Secondary School Principals to impress upon all youth volunteers that 
their contributions are critically important and highly valued. Over 
the past seven years this program has grown into the largest youth 
recognition effort based solely on community service. Ms. Magnifico and 
Ms. Pallister should be extremely proud to have been singled out to 
receive this honor.
  I am heartened, Mr. Speaker, by the selflessness of these young 
people. While numerous statistics show that Americans are less involved 
in their communities, it is important that we encourage youth 
volunteers. They have the power to inspire each and every one of us to 
make a difference in our own towns and neighborhoods. I hope that you 
and our colleagues will join me in recognizing these two

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dedicated young women, for they are among our brightest hopes for a 
better tomorrow.

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