[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF MS. MELANIE STALLWORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         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 Ms. Melanie Stallworth, who was nominated to be the 
2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and awarded the 
Future Leaders Award.
  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, Melanie moved onto 
the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared 
for the next round of interviews. Melanie was an extremely qualified 
candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Melanie actively volunteered 
through her club with Habitat for Humanity. Melanie serves as a mentor 
to younger members and she is a member of Torch Club, Caesar Rodney 
High School Kick Butts anti-smoking club, and the Spanish Club. 
Melanie's activism did not go unnoticed, and she was awarded the Future 
Leaders Award.
  Once again, I would like to commend Melanie Stallworth for being 
nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year and 
winning the Future Leaders Award.

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