[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            COMMUNITY HEROS

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, today I salute a community 
leader in my home State of Oregon. Today, I want to recognize the 
efforts of Susan Abravanel, Education Coordinator at SOLV, a non-profit 
organization in Oregon, in advocating for service-learning, one of the 
most exciting educational initiatives taking hold in our nation today.
  Service-learning gives students the opportunity to learn through 
community service, but it is important to note that it is much more 
than just community service, Mr. President--it is a method of classroom 
instruction that engages a student's intellect through hands-on work 
outside the classroom that benefits the community at large. Research 
shows that students participating in service-learning make gains on 
achievement tests, complete their homework more often, and increase 
their grade point averages.
  In addition to producing academic gains, service-learning is also 
associated with both increased attendance and reduced dropout rates. It 
is clear to educators across the country that service-learning helps 
students feel more connected to their own education while strengthening 
their connection to their community as well. It is for all of these 
reasons that Susan Abravanel is working so hard to advocate for 
service-learning in classrooms in Oregon and across the nation.
  Ms. Abravanel is working closely with my office and with education 
leaders in Oregon to ensure that my home state remains a national 
leader in service-learning. Just two months ago, I introduced a bill 
with my colleague, Senator Edwards, to strengthen our nation's 
commitment to service-learning. I feel confident that this bill will 
soon become law and that with Ms. Abravanel's continued efforts both 
here in Washington, D.C. and at home in Oregon, students will continue 
to benefit from an education tied to civic engagement.
  Ms. Abravanel exemplifies the type of engaged citizen our schools 
must endeavor to produce, and her persistence will ensure that future 
generations of Americans will give back to their communities just as 
she has. I would also like to note that Susan isn't just concerned 
about education--her interests and efforts in Portland's Jewish 
community are well known and highly appreciated--she is the new 
President of the Oregon chapter of the American Jewish Committee. I 
look forward to working with Susan in her new role at the AJC and thank 
her for her continuing devotion to service-learning.

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