[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL OF SERVICE FOR YOUTH RECIPIENT 
                              SALLY WHITE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sally White, a 
remarkable young lady from the Seventh Congressional District of 
Alabama who was a recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal of 
Service for Youth Award.
  Sally is a driven, committed, and determined young lady who is 
destined for success. She is currently a senior at Thomasville High 
School in Thomasville, Alabama, and has a 4.32 grade point average. She 
has been a member of the varsity cheerleading squad for 3 years and was 
captain of the squad this year. She was also named a Universal 
Cheerleaders Association All-American.
  Sally has been involved in the Thespian Drama Honor Society for 6 
years and attended the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska 
where she worked with theater students from around the world. She is a 
member of the National Honor Society, attended Alabama's Girls State, 
and is a Thomasville Chamber Ambassador.
  Sally has been very passionate about public service and mission work. 
She traveled to Ecuador for 2 weeks in the summer of 2010, planting 
trees to raise money for village schools. Sally serves as a volunteer 
for the summer reading program at the Thomasville Public Library and 
volunteers in the extended day program at Thomasville Elementary School 
to assist young students with homework.
  Sally plans to pursue a college degree in either biomedical or 
chemical engineering. After college, she plans to attend graduate 
school to earn a Ph.D. or medical degree. Her ultimate goal is to one 
day work in the medical research field to develop cures for this 
Nation's most troubling diseases.
  Sally is one of 14 youth in the State of Alabama who has received the 
Congressional Gold Medal of Service Award since its inception by 
Congress in 1979. The award provides a unique opportunity for young 
people to set and achieve personal challenging goals that build 
character and foster community service. Unlike many other awards, 
recipients do not win the Congressional Gold Medal of Service. They 
earn it. Sally earned this accolade by setting and achieving goals in 
four program areas: volunteer public service, personal development, 
physical fitness, and explorations. In her more than 800 hours of 
community service, she strengthened her commitment to public service 
and realized the power that one individual can make in one's community 
and in this world.
  I had the great privilege of presenting the Congressional Gold Medal 
of Service Award to Sally 2 weeks ago on January 11, 2012, during a 
student assembly at Thomasville High School. I was impressed by Sally's 
poise, grace, and strength and her commitment to helping others. When 
asked about the award, Sally stated: ``Receiving the Congressional Gold 
Medal of Service for Youth Award has been a tremendous honor for me. I 
am thankful for the love and support I have been provided while working 
towards this award. I am extremely humbled by this honor.''
  Sally's principal, Mr. Kyle Ferguson, expressed the sentiments of her 
teachers, advisers, and mentors when he stated: ``Sally White is 
without a doubt one of the most driven, goal-oriented, and 
conscientious young people that I have ever encountered. She is 
certainly operating at a level far beyond her years. We are honored 
that she has been with us through her high school years.''
  Sally White is an excellent role model and a wonderful example of 
servant leadership. We should all aspire to work as hard as Sally for 
the good of others and for our own personal development. I want to 
applaud Sally's teachers, family members, friends, and the Thomasville 
community for helping to shape and nurture an outstanding student.
  On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District, the State of 
Alabama, and this Nation, we recognize and congratulate Sally White for 
receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Service for Youth Award for 
her hard work, dedication, and community involvement. It is with great 
pride that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join 
me in honoring Sally White for her exemplary commitment to public 
service.

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