[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ACTON ARCHIE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently I had the honor to 
meet an amazing young man from North Carolina, his name is Acton 
Archie. I wanted the opportunity to not only congratulate Archie, but 
to tell you about his life.
  Too often we hear about the bad choices young people make and the 
decisions that lead them down a path to nowhere. Fortunately, Acton 
Archie made the right decisions, despite unimaginable obstacles, which 
has led him down the right path.
  Growing up in Charlotte, Acton moved from one public housing 
development to another, he moved 12 times in 12 years. His father was 
murdered when he was just a child and his mother struggled with drug 
addiction. By 9th grade, Acton rarely attended school; he was 
surrounded by crime and drugs. He was on the verge of dropping out of 
school altogether when he was introduced to Communities in School, a 
program that helps young people successfully learn, stay in school, and 
prepare for life. Acton credits his grandmother, his strong faith in 
God and Communities in Schools for literally saving his life.
  Acton not only finished high school, he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. He 
then went on to attend North Carolina State University where he 
recently graduated with a degree in Business Management. He will soon 
begin a career as a business analyst with the world's largest privately 
held software company.
  Ten years ago, if someone would have told Acton that he would achieve 
so much, I doubt he would have believed them, but the wonderful thing 
is that he has achieved so much. I am certain even greater things are 
yet to come for this young man.
  I would like to congratulate Acton Archie for his achievements, but I 
also want to congratulate Acton for the tremendous courage he has shown 
in overcoming barriers in his life. This young man is truly an 
inspiration to me, and I know he is an even greater inspiration to 
young kids who feel trapped by their situation in life.
  May God Bless Action Archie and all who continue to overcome 
roadblocks in their lives to achieve what might have been seen at one 
time as the ``Impossible Dream.''
  Thank you, Acton Archie.

                          ____________________