[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1734-E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ``ART ON LABELS'' CONTEST WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
two outstanding young students who live and go to school in my district 
in Houston, Texas. Alejandra Garcia, 10, of Crockett Elementary School 
and Alina Arevalo, 8, of Sherman Elementary School recently won a 
national art competition in support of afterschool programs called the

[[Page E1735]]

``Art on Labels'' contest, sponsored by Torani, the specialty syrup 
maker, and the Afterschool Alliance, an organization dedicated to 
advocating for quality and affordable afterschool programs for all 
children by 2010. The girls' artwork was chosen from hundreds of 
entries nationwide and will be featured on two of Torani's soda syrup 
products this fall.
  Both students attend the Cooperative for After-School Enrichment 
program and were encouraged to enter the contest by their afterschool 
teacher. Afterschool programs play a critical role in the lives of many 
students who need a safe and nurturing place to go after the school 
bell rings. In communities today, 14.3 million children take care of 
themselves after the school day ends, including almost four million 
middle school students in grades six to eight. Just 6.5 million 
children are in afterschool programs--but the parents of another 15.3 
million children say their children would participate in afterschool--
if a program were available.
  Afterschool programs keep children engaged in learning and work to 
find students' hidden talents as an alternative to going home alone to 
watch television all afternoon. It is important to continue to support 
afterschool programs like the ones Alejandra and Alina attend, which 
increase academic achievement, keep kids safe, and help working 
families.
  It is an honor to be able to congratulate two wonderful young ladies, 
Alejandra and Alina, for their tremendous accomplishments and to thank 
their afterschool program providers for helping to develop their 
talents.

                          ____________________