[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 114 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING GARRET PARKER, RECENTLY NAMED BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE 
                     YEAR FOR THE STATE OF ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2012

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring Garret Parker, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of 
Alton, Illinois, who was recently selected as the Boys & Girls Club 
Youth of the Year for the State of Illinois.
  Garret Parker has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Alton for 
six years. While he has credited the Boys & Girls Club with providing 
him support and numerous opportunities, Garret has reciprocated by 
volunteering, coaching and mentoring younger members.
  Garret has had to overcome several obstacles in his young life. Born 
with sickle cell anemia and chronic asthma, he has endured extensive 
medical treatment, including multiple blood transfusions. Garret's 
mother has battled cancer and is now doing well. Garret's positive 
resolve in meeting these life challenges is one of his noteworthy 
personal qualities that have earned this recognition.
  Among Garret's volunteer activities are ringing bells for the 
Salvation Army fund drives, participating in Mississippi River and 
city-wide cleanup projects and helping out with activities at the Boys 
& Girls Club. He combines this with extracurricular activities in high 
school while maintaining a solid grade point average.
  Garret looks forward to graduating from high school next year and 
hopes to go to college. He is currently looking at the University of 
Central Florida. Given his remarkable performance so far, it is 
apparent this young man has a bright future ahead of him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Garret 
Parker, the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year for the State of 
Illinois, and in wishing him and his family the very best in the 
future.

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