[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. DEVONG PECK

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2008

  Mr. Castle. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize Mr. DeVong Peck, who was nominated to be the 2008 
Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
  The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have 
nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal 
of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the 
Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their club, community, 
school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & 
Girls Clubs of Delaware.
  Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year 
through an intensive local and state level selection process, including 
the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, 
school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two 
essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what 
the club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 
minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The 
candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received 
professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and 
interviewing skills.
  After winning the local Youth of the Year award, DeVong moved onto 
the state level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared 
for the next round of interviews. DeVong was a highly qualified 
candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. He won the Governor's Youth 
Volunteer Service Award, the Robert Taylor Character and Leadership 
Award, and the Dover High School Superstar Award. At the Welsey College 
Boys & Girls Club, DeVong is a member of the Keystone Club and an 
active volunteer with numerous other organizations.
  Once again, I would like to commend DeVong Peck for being nominated 
as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

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