[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MINEOLA HIGH SCHOOL FOR TAKING PART IN NATIONAL SERVICE 
                        LEARNING CHALLENGE WEEK

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the 
young men and women from Mineola High School taking part in National 
Service Learning Challenge Week. For over 10 years, all 9th grade 
students from Mineola High School have taken part in an 
interdisciplinary project sponsored by the English and Living 
Environment curriculums.
  On October 8th, under the supervision and guidance of their teachers 
and New York City Parks Department employees, students will visit 
Queens' Alley Pond Park as part of a tree planting and forest 
reclamation project. During their park visit, students will not only 
add to the beauty of the park by planting trees, but they will also 
learn of the park's vast history and ecosystem. In learning of the 
park's indigenous plants, students will come to understand the vast and 
complicated dynamics nonnative plants can have on their environment.
  The growing strength, interest, and funding for service programs in 
the area has enabled a wider range of students to participate. For the 
first time, Mineola's ``Life Skills'' students, who are developmentally 
and physically challenged, will be going to Alley Pond. Their 
experience will no doubt make the event more complete and fulfilling 
for all those involved.
  As a conscientious citizen and ardent environmental advocate, I am 
proud to recognize the students of Mineola High School and commend 
events much like National Service Learning Challenge Week for 
broadening the education of our Nation's youth. Mineola High School, as 
a recipient of a Learn and Serve America K-12 Grant, is currently 
enjoying its 25th year participating in the Mineola Student Service 
Center and Service Learning Program. Mineola has, and continues to be, 
a nationwide model for exemplary volunteerism and service.
  It is the continued strong will and selfless determination of the 
students of Mineola that make me proud to call the town my home, and I 
am immensely grateful to the men and women whose hard work make such 
great events happen. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the 
gratitude of the U.S. Congress for the extensive contributions to 
education these individuals have made through this program.

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