[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
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--GINU SCARIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 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:

       Through community service and involvement, I have learned 
     to view matters in a whole new perspective. When I look at my 
     goals now of changing the world one step at a time, I know I 
     am getting a step closer by taking part in service activities 
     and events. Helping out is now part of who I am and my 
     definition. It is definitely going to part of future in 
     college as well as afterwards when earning a career. Gandhi 
     once said to, ``be the change you wish to see in the world.'' 
     I believe the world gets a positive change every time someone 
     steps up to the plate to make a difference, whether is it 
     through community service or starting a charity. It is 
     through generous hands that we learn a better role of 
     ourselves and gain a better knowledge of viewing matters in a 
     whole new angle. As Student Council President, helping out 
     becomes an everyday routine, and I am very proud to have the 
     opportunity. As a member of the Congressional Youth Advisory 
     Council, I am happy to take part in community involvement, 
     and because of it I have learned a life lesson. I cannot 
     forget.
     --Ginu Scaria

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