[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING RACHEL WHEELER FOR HER TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HAITI

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise today to honor Rachel Wheeler of Lighthouse Point, Florida.
  At 11 years of age, Rachel has succeeded in raising over $170,000 to 
build houses in Haiti. She first learned of the nation's extreme 
poverty 2 years ago after attending a presentation by Food for the Poor 
President and CEO Robin Mahfood. Rachel took immediate action and set a 
goal to build 13 homes, each costing $2,600. Her campaign included 
chamber meeting announcements, television news appearances, a webpage, 
and advocacy throughout her school and neighborhood. Her zeal and 
devotion were met with widespread support, and she soon expanded her 
goal to a 25-residence village that includes larger homes. Now, Rachel 
would like to expand her project to include a school.
  Though Rachel first launched her efforts prior to the earthquake that 
devastated the nation's capital, Port au Prince, those efforts are now 
even more invaluable in the tragedy's wake. Having spent much of my 
career fighting for the people of Haiti, I am both honored and humbled 
by Rachel's work. She has been able to garner coast-to-coast support 
and was named one of the country's top 10 youth volunteers in the 
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards competition. We here in 
Washington can certainly learn from her tenacious spirit, prodigious 
initiative, and momentous impact. If Rachel can do it, why can't we?
  Mr. Speaker, I am most impressed that despite the fact that this 
remarkable young lady has accomplished more in her 11 years than many 
do in their lifetimes, she readily acknowledges that her efforts have 
only just begun. Rachel's vision and success are a shining example not 
only to her peers, but to anyone who has ever questioned how much of a 
difference one individual can truly make. As I rise to honor her 
passion and dedication today, I look forward to the great things she 
will undoubtedly accomplish in the future.

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