[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
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--SAMANTHA TODD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 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:

       Volunteering in my community has been one of the most 
     rewarding experiences of my life. Each event provided me with 
     a unique life experience and has added to my sense of 
     community. One of the events I volunteered at was Matthews 
     Elementary School's Fall Carnival. Seeing the interactions 
     between the families and friends was amazing and brought back 
     memories from when I was that age. I also volunteered at 
     Huffman Elementary School's Math Night where I supervised 
     math oriented games. Another place I earned service hours was 
     at Mustang Creek Nursing Home, where I played bingo and 
     talked with the residents. I have sincerely enjoyed the time 
     I have spent at Mustang Creek and I plan on continuing to 
     visit the residents there. One of the longest events I have 
     volunteered in was at my church's aide station in Dallas's 
     Whiterock marathon. I spent six and a half hours helping set 
     up and run the station. These volunteering experiences have 
     changed my perspective and made me feel like a greater part 
     of my community. In the future I plan on continuing to 
     volunteer in my community and help other people.
     --Samantha Todd

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