[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 47 (Monday, April 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
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--ALYSSA JOHNSTON

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 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 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 Congressional Youth 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:

       When I was informed CYAC members would be asked to 
     volunteer time to make a difference in the lives of others I 
     began to look for the perfect serving opportunity. I found it 
     at HOPE Resource Center. My job as Diaper and Wipe 
     Coordinator for the Blessings Boutique is to contact churches 
     and inform them about HOPE Resource Center and the blessings 
     that HOPE brings to the young women in our community. I ask 
     them to hold a drive to collect diapers and wipes and then 
     deliver them to HOPE. I help the churches by providing 
     information to pass along to their members about the Christ-
     centered ministry opportunities of HOPE. I stay in contact 
     with the churches and help them with anything they need for 
     the diaper drive. Once the church is done collecting diapers 
     and wipes I arrange a time for them to drop off the donations 
     they collected. I look back today and I can see the 
     difference I have made in my community. I have impacted the 
     lives of numerous young mothers and their babies. I have 
     gained new insights in the lives of people touched by 
     community service. I have a new found passion for serving 
     others in my community.
     --Alyssa Johnston

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