[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR BOWMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Taylor Bowman, of Fort 
Mill, South Carolina, who was named a top youth volunteer this year by 
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program 
honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards 
program, now in its seventh year, is conducted by Prudential Financial 
in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School 
Principals. A record 28,000 high school and middle level students 
submitted applications for this year's program.
  Taylor, who graduated from Fort Mill High School this year, developed 
and led a mentoring program that paired high school athletes with 
potential at-risk students from a local elementary school.
  When Taylor first began tutoring a new student from Puerto Rico in 
his mother's third-grade class, he was reminded of ``a turtle with his 
head in his shell trying to forget about the world outside.'' But as he 
worked with him each week, Taylor said, ``I saw the turtle come out of 
his shell.''
  Soon, other teachers were asking Taylor for help with their limited-
English and academically challenged students, but he knew he didn't 
have enough time to help everyone. So, after getting permission from 
his coach and the elementary school principal, Taylor recruited 37 
members of his high school crosscountry team and other friends to 
become mentors, as well. He also applied for grant money to purchase 
incentive rewards and fund a hot dog picnic, Christmas party, and other 
activities.
  The success of the first year convinced Taylor that other schools 
could also benefit from the program, and he began recruiting other 
volunteer schools and teams. ``It took a lot of time and effort,'' 
Taylor says, ``but it was worth it. Life is much better when you take 
time to help a child.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join the Prudential Spirit of Community 
Awards in recognizing Taylor Bowman as one of South Carolina's top 
youth volunteers.

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