[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E642-E643]
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--MADELINE MINCHILLO

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.

[[Page E643]]

  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:

       An average teenager might have spent 6 hours on a Saturday 
     sleeping, playing infamous video games, or hanging with 
     friends. I spent my 6 hours building a ramp through The 
     Dallas Ramp Project. That morning and afternoon I learned how 
     to construct a ramp so that a 96 year old woman, Lovey, could 
     be freed from her home. I, a teenager, who could have been 
     doing all the things listed above like a ``normal'' teenager, 
     but I didn't. I decided to make a difference in someone 
     else's life for the better. I learned how important and how 
     valuable time really is. 6 hours to some is 3 movies. 6 hours 
     to another person is giving back a person's freedom. I strive 
     not to be a success but to be a value. I now have a better 
     understanding of life. Not only did I build a ramp, I built 
     relationships with my team members. I encourage you to do 
     something with your 6 hours because you too are able; able to 
     change the world, able to be a blessing to others, and able 
     to make an impact. So the next time you have 6 hours what 
     will you do?
     --Madeline Minchillo

                          ____________________