[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2004-E2005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO CENTENNIAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL NINTH GRADE CLASS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere enthusiasm that I 
recognize the ninth grade class of Centennial Junior High School in 
Montrose, Colorado. The ninth grade class is currently producing a 
documentary video to help educate homeowners on ways to protect their 
homes from forest fires. Today, I would like to recognize the ninth 
grade class for the outstanding service they are providing to the State 
of Colorado and all those in danger of forest fires.
  In June of last year, Colorado was devastated by some of the worst 
forest fires in our state's history. The Missionary Ridge and Hayman 
fires not only destroyed several of Colorado's wilderness areas but 
also valuable private property. Today, the ninth grade class from 
Centennial Junior High School, with the help of their film crew, 
representatives from Bureau of Land Management and Montrose County 
firefighters, are making a movie to demonstrate steps that citizens can 
take to protect their homes from forest fires.
  Along with producing the documentary, the ninth grade class is also 
learning valuable lessons in fire ecology and resource management. The 
students are being taught about forest fuel reduction of the many 
different types of fire resistant building materials that can help 
protect homes in the event of a forest fire. By taking what they have 
learned in their classes and using it to educate others throughout the 
country, the ninth graders at Centennial Junior High School are making 
an incredible difference in the effort to reduce the destructiveness of 
forest fires. --

[[Page E2005]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the Centennial 
Junior High School ninth grade class before this body of Congress and 
this nation for their outstanding service to the State of Colorado and 
this country. The documentary video they are producing will be 
distributed nationwide, providing indispensable guidance to a countless 
number of Americans. There is no telling how many homes and lives their 
efforts will save in the years ahead. I thank them for their dedication 
to their community and our environment.

                          ____________________