[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E775-E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO KAYLA DE WEERD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Kayla 
De Weerd, a 14-year-old 4 H'er of Hull, Iowa, who has been named the 
state's top high school youth volunteer for 2012 by the Prudential 
Spirit of Community Awards.
  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's 
largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community 
service. Since 1995, 345,000 American youths have participated in this 
program, with only 102 state honorees chosen each year. Kayla's path to 
this prestigious award began with her efforts through Reach Out Iowa, a 
federally funded grant that supports young people who benefit their 
local communities through service.
  To accomplish this goal, Kayla started a nutrition and physical 
activity program at her junior high school. Kayla gave presentations to 
her fellow classmates warning of the dangers of obesity and how to live 
a responsible, healthy lifestyle to avoid the long-term consequences of 
inactivity. In addition to arming her peers in the fight against 
obesity, Kayla also educated others to effectively implement similar 
programs in more schools across her community. Kayla and her mother, 
Deb, traveled to Washington D.C. earlier this week to accept this great 
honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Miss De Weerd for her sincere dedication to 
positively impact the lives of others in her community and beyond. 
Kayla's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a testament to 
the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in 
Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in 
the United States Congress in congratulating Kayla, thanking her 
supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful 
project for their life-changing efforts. Thank you.

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