[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2789-E2790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE COURAGE AND STRENGTH OF MICHAEL BREWER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 15-
year-old Michael Brewer of Deerfield Beach, Florida, whose courage and 
strength defy the atrocious attack he has endured. Michael sustained 
burns to over 65 percent of his body after a group of schoolmates set 
him on fire in an act of cruel revenge. On October 12, 2009, 
neighborhood bullies Matthew Bent, 15; brothers Denver and Jeremy 
Jarvis, 15 and 13 respectively; Steven Shelton, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 
15; surrounded Michael in the parking lot of Limetree Village 
Apartments, poured rubbing alcohol on him, and set him on fire with a 
lighter. Led by Bent, the bullies sought him out and terrorized him for 
not paying back $40 borrowed to buy a video game. Michael had called 
the police the night before the encounter when Bent attempted to steal 
a $500 custom bike from Michael's father at their home.
  I am truly shocked and outraged by this heinous crime. Michael still 
remains in critical condition at the University of Miami-Jackson 
Memorial Hospital Burn Center and will have to endure a long and 
painful recovery process. A 7th grader at Deerfield Beach Middle 
School, he has since received hundreds of cards and letters of support 
from fellow classmates and well-wishers from around the world. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to Michael, his family, and friends during 
this most difficult time. It is heartening to hear that Michael's first 
surgery went well and that his doctors are cautiously optimistic about 
his recovery.
  In addition, I want to commend the South Florida community for coming 
together to raise money in order to help the Brewer family pay for 
Michael's medical expenses. During these difficult economic times, 
these Floridians have shown their true colors by extending a helping

[[Page E2790]]

hand to a neighbor in need. In particular, I would like to recognize 
Neighbors 4 Neighbors for raising more than $10,000 for Michael, and 
Broward Sheriff's detective Joe Kessling for his leadership and 
community activism.
  Madam Speaker, we must stop the dangerous values of bullying and 
violence from being perpetuated in our schools and communities. Young 
people like Michael deserve a safe educational environment in which 
they can reach their full potential and become respectful, contributing 
members of our society.

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