[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 46 (Friday, April 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E613-E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 2010-2011 CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR 500 
    HOURS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY--HARRISON HALBACH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 1, 2011

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure and 
privilege to inform the Members of the United States House of 
Representatives that the students of the 2010-2011 Congressional Youth 
Advisory Council, CYAC, from the Third District of Texas have completed 
a total of 500 community service hours, fulfilling and far-surpassing 
the requirements of their assigned CYAC in the Community service 
project.
  This year 46 students from public, private, and home schools in 
grades 10 through 12 made their voices heard by joining CYAC. As the 
Third District's young ambassadors to Congress, these bright high 
school students met with me on a quarterly basis to discuss current 
events and public policy. These impressive young people recognize an 
important truth: the heart of public service is found when giving back 
to the community. CYAC students volunteered their time and talents with 
over 30 organizations including Adopt-A-Highway, Habitat for Humanity, 
Meals on Wheels, Teen Court, and the USO, to name a few. As one student 
shared, ``CYAC in the Community has

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allowed me to realize my calling to serve those in the U.S. Armed 
Forces.'' I am beyond thrilled that CYAC has helped students unleash 
their full potential and chase their dreams.
  President George H.W. Bush once said, ``A volunteer is a person who 
can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel. 
Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, 
but as citizens--citizens in the fullest sense: partners in 
civilization.''
  With this statement as a benchmark, I am proud to congratulate the 
members of the 2010--2011 CongressionalYouth Advisory Council for 
showing themselves to be outstanding young citizens of this nation. It 
is my privilege to submit summaries of their work to the Congressional 
Record to be preserved for posterity and antiquity. To these young 
public servants, thank you, and keep up the great work! I salute you!
  A copy of each submitted student summary follows:

       On October 30, 2010, I volunteered at the Heritage 
     Farmstead Museum. The Heritage Farmstead Museum is a facility 
     dedicated to teaching children about the heritage of early 
     farmers. When I first arrived I helped the other volunteers 
     in their efforts to move about two hundred pumpkins to the 
     side of the road to be sold. In doing so I helped to raise 
     revenues for an underfunded facility in need of a few major 
     repairs. Afterwards, we began picking up tiny pieces of trash 
     left there the night before by little kids. I then assisted 
     the mother of a small boy in setting up his birthday party. 
     After this party was finished, I cleaned up and helped the 
     patrons pack up the rest of their party supplies. I gained a 
     lot throughout this process, but I believe I gained the most 
     by working with others during this project. I gained a 
     tremendous amount of respect for the people involved in this 
     facilities operation. These kind folks work extremely hard to 
     keep this facility running for children, and I assure you 
     that most people don't get into public service for the money. 
     I also of course gained a sense of accomplishment, pride, and 
     joy in helping make this facility and my community a better 
     place.
                                               --Harrison Halbach.