[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING TEAM OF THE QUEST PROGRAM

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2003

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Community 
Problem Solving Team of the Quest Program at the Dr. John Howard, Jr. 
School in East Orange, NJ. Working through various mediums, this group 
of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders has sought to combat the growing 
problem of gangs in their community.
  Using their peer influence, these students reach out to elementary 
school children to teach them the dangers of gang involvement. They 
have made it their mission to educate the community through publishing 
monthly gang awareness newsletters, organizing a unity celebration 
night against gangs, organizing a kids against gangs rally, 
participating in an inmate day with gang members currently serving time 
in prison, as well as creating a website to inform students of the 
dangers of gangs. With the goal of educating others to prevent gang 
involvement and violence, these students have demonstrated that they 
are truly inspiring members of the community. Volunteering over 400 
hours to this project, the dedication of this team has been 
outstanding.
  These exceptional students will represent New Jersey at the 
International Competition in Storrs, CT, June 4-8, 2003, having placed 
first in the New Jersey junior division of the Problem Solving 
Component of the International Future Problem Solving Program. It is 
with great pride that I recognize the Community Problem Solving Team of 
the Quest Program in East Orange, New Jersey. These young people have 
taken great strides to assist the members of their community and to see 
that they have a part in securing a healthy future for our country. Mr. 
Speaker, I know that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in wishing the Quest Program continued success.

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