[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E651]
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--JILL WALLER

                                 ______
                                 

                            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:

       For my volunteer work, I went to Truett Elementary School 
     on three occasions. During my time there, I got to work with 
     underprivileged kids in their after-school program, because 
     many of the children have working parents who cannot pick 
     them up from school until 2 hours after the school day ends. 
     Depending on the day and time, I would help with homework for 
     the day, do arts and crafts, and play with the kids on the 
     playground. Each time, I made friends with the kids and 
     helped them in some way or another, whether it was walking 
     with them to the bathroom or teaching them how to do their 
     math homework. Much of the afterschool program is run by 
     volunteers, and without all of us the teachers would not be 
     able to have as many activities for the children or be able 
     to control all of them. This experience showed me how well I 
     had it as a child, as well as how young children in our 
     community need people to look up to and help them. I plan on 
     going back to Truett at least once a week if I can, and 
     continuing to help all of the children with their work.
     --Jill Waller

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