[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING BILL LAIRD FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak today about a distinguished 
member of my district who is being honored by an organization that has 
had an immeasurable impact on America. Bill Laird, a retired employee 
of Willis Corroon, is Junior Achievement's National Middle School 
Volunteer of the Year.
  He has volunteered for nine years and taught 25 JA classes in that 
time. Mr. Laird always goes above and beyond his classroom duties, 
using his work and life experiences as a way to educate young people 
about business, economics and the free-enterprise system.
  The history of Junior Achievement is a true testament to the 
indelible human spirit and American ingenuity. Junior Achievement was 
founded in 1919 as a collection of small, after school business clubs 
for students in Springfield, Massachusetts.
  Today, through the efforts of more than 100,000 volunteers in 
classrooms all over America, Junior Achievement reaches more than four 
million students in grades K-12 per year. JA International takes the 
free enterprise message of hope and opportunity even further to nearly 
two million students in 113 countries. Junior Achievement has been an 
influential part of many of today's successful entrepreneurs and 
business leaders. Junior Achievement's success is truly the story of 
America--the fact that one idea can influence and benefit many lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bill 
Laird of Franklin for his outstanding service to Junior Achievement and 
the students of Tennessee. I am proud to have him as a constituent and 
congratulate him on his distinguished accomplishment.

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