[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             COMMUNITY HERO

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise to 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. 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 2 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, DC, 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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