[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO KYLEE SMITH

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Kylee Smith of Montrose, Colorado. Through Kylee's 
diligent efforts, numerous Cottonwood Elementary School students have 
developed a love for physical fitness that will allow the students to 
reap many benefits for the rest of their lives.
  Kylee has created an innovative program called ``Shape Up Across 
Colorado'' to encourage her students to participate in physical 
activity. The program, which has been in place since 1991, uses 400 
squares, each representing a square mile in a model of the State of 
Colorado. As children advance through numerous levels of activities, 
they are allowed to fill in corresponding squares. Using this program, 
the students are able to see their progress while they participate in 
activities they love, such as running outside, and playing in the 
playground. Kylee has really taught her students how to love physical 
exercise as well as being in the outdoors.
  Earlier this year, Colorado Governor Bill Owens honored Mrs. Smith 
for her efforts to teach children about the benefits of physical 
education. She was presented with the ``Shape Up Colorado Teacher of 
the Year'' award from the Governor's Council for Physical Fitness and 
the Colorado Foundation for Physical Fitness. Kylee, who is proud to 
live in Colorado with its great outdoor resources, believes that 
programs like this one will help my state become the nation's leader in 
physical fitness.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand before you, this 
body of Congress, and this nation today to honor Kylee Smith. Mrs. 
Smith has inspired her students to participate in vital lifelong, and 
life sustaining, physical exercise. The children of Montrose are lucky 
to have such a wonderful resource helping and guiding them to healthier 
lives. I applaud Kylee Smith for her efforts.

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