[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING DIXIE SMITH AS A HASTINGS' STAR STUDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Dixie 
Smith, a Suncoast High School senior in Riviera Beach, as a Hastings' 
Star Student. During her junior year of high school, Dixie earned 
recognition as the Palm Beach County All-Conference selection for 
diving. This year however, her accomplishments go even further. 
Recently, world renowned tennis player Serena Williams chose 17-year 
old Dixie as the recipient for the M Foundation's Silver M Award. With 
this award, she joins the ranks of previous recipients who are viewed 
as ``exemplary role models'' in their communities. The award will 
present Dixie with a $1,000 college scholarship and a $1,000 donation 
to a charity of her choice. It was Dixie's commitment to giving back to 
her community which earned her this award.
  Without a doubt, Dixie Smith exemplifies the term volunteerism. She 
started the Autism Speaks club at her high school, teaches gymnastics 
at Gymnastics Revolution, and also lends her time to instructing 
developmentally disabled children at the Renaissance Learning Center. 
Additionally, she has taught surfing to autistic children for the past 
three years, and has participated in the Surfers for Autism event 
regularly. In a recent letter, Dixie shared with me how these events 
served to be a humbling experience as time after time she witnessed 
children, who were initially afraid of the ocean, overcome their fears 
and catch waves on their own. She believes that surfing changes them, 
and the joy felt by their parents as they thank her is better than any 
award or scholarship she could ever receive. Dixie's work with 
developmentally disabled children is to be commended. Her selfless 
service represents a true dedication to the betterment of her 
community. I am sure Dixie's outstanding achievements are an 
inspiration to her peers and to the greater Riviera Beach area. I wish 
her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________