[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3948-S3949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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HONORING THE COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING TEAM OF THE QUEST PROGRAM AT THE 
             DR. JOHN HOWARD JR. SCHOOL IN EAST RUTHERFORD

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the 
Community Problem Solving Team at the Dr. John Howard Jr. School in 
East Rutherford. The group, consisting of 12 fourth and fifth graders, 
has assisted persons who have experienced personal tragedy in their 
lives in hopes that they can be of help in improving their situation.
  This group of youngsters has worked incredibly hard to help so many 
get through the most difficult of times. They have volunteered 20 times 
in an after school program for homeless children at the Whitney Houston 
School, visited the Brookhaven Health Care Center to uplift patients' 
spirits, and have already volunteered a total of 600 hours towards this 
project. The group has also collected 150 new toys to be given during 
the holiday season and collected over 1,500 canned goods and perishable 
foods for needy families and a local food pantry. Besides gathering 
these material goods, the Community Problem Solving Team has been able 
to contribute fiscally. They applied for and were awarded a $500 grant 
towards their cause, in addition to raising $1,180 through the sales of 
candy bars and lollipops. In the coming weeks the group plans to 
present a high school senior in their community, whose sister was 
tragically struck and killed by a stolen automobile, a scholarship 
check to help her further her education.
  Through the efforts of these grade school children, many members of 
their community are now living happier lives. Even at their young ages, 
they are being active in their community and working towards making 
this world a better place.

[[Page S3949]]

  I would like to take this opportunity to salute the Community Problem 
Solving Team at the Dr. John Howard Jr. School's for their service to 
the community, their countless acts of compassion, and commitment to 
their fellow citizens. May their spirit of service and community be a 
model for all of us to admire and emulate.

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