[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SPOKANE, WASHINGTON: AN AMERICA'S PROMISE ``100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR 
                             YOUNG PEOPLE''

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
City of Spokane, Washington, and the efforts of the Spokane Regional 
Youth Department for being named an America's Promise ``100 Best 
Communities for Young People.''
  Spokane is committed to youth service and leadership opportunities. 
When nominating Spokane for the America's Promise award, Matthew 
Rivera, a 17-year-old student leader, said, ``Spokane provides us with 
the tools and inspiration to pursue our goals.''
  Spokane is a city of promise because of people like Matthew, who are 
partnering with caring adults to serve our community. He, along with 
many other youth in the area, impact Spokane's future on a daily basis 
through their participation in organizations such as the Spokane 
Regional Youth Department, Chase Youth Commission and the Teen Advisory 
Council.
  Devon Clark, another local high school student, says that ``Spokane 
is fortunate to have such a great network of youth, but it is also 
important to see that the network of adults who support our youth is 
just as much an integral part of the team.'' That network has 
contributed to a low high school drop-out rate in Spokane County and a 
commitment to mentoring underserved populations.
  Finally, Katherine Merck, a participant in Youth Leadership Spokane, 
said ``Spokane deserves the honor of being named one of our national 
100 Best Communities for Young People, because our community focuses on 
youth, is a safe place, has outstanding schools, and offers many 
opportunities for young people to become involved in the community.''
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the City of Spokane for their 
work to develop civic participation in our young people, to provide 
them with an outlet to express their views, and to give the youth of 
Spokane the opportunity to serve their community through partnering 
with adult leaders in the city. I invite my colleagues to join me in 
celebration of Spokane, Washington, an America's Promise ``100 Best 
Communities for Young People.''

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