[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E134-E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANNA MURPHY, OF STAFFORD SPRINGS AND HANNA 
                         DE BRUYN, OF OLD LYME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
two Connecticut students being recognized for their contributions to 
their communities. Anna Murphy, 11, and Hanna De Bruyn, 16, have been 
selected by the Prudential Spirit of Service awards for their 
commitment to community service and the impact of their efforts.
  First, I recognize state honoree and top-two finalist from the State 
of Connecticut, Anna Murphy of Stafford Springs. Anna led a fundraising 
effort through a penny drive to help local families heat their homes 
during harsh New England winters. So far, Anna has raised more than 
$1,400. It is a yearly tradition in Anna's family to collect pennies to 
donate to families to pay for heating oil. Inspired by that example, 
Anna organized her classmates and local business to contribute to the 
fund, so far filling the gas tanks in two homes. For her contributions, 
Anna will receive $1,000, a trip to Washington, DC in May and an 
engraved silver medallion.

[[Page E135]]

  Next, I recognize distinguished finalist Hanna De Bruyn of Old Lyme, 
Connecticut. A student at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Hanna raised more 
than $25,000 for children with rare brain cancers by hosting yearly 
races beginning in 2010. The funds have been donated through Caroline's 
Miracle Foundation, a local organization started by the family of a 
young child suffering from one of these afflictions. For her efforts, 
Hanna will be awarded with an engraved bronze medallion.
  The Prudential Spirit of Service awards have promoted youth volunteer 
work and recognized students whose efforts have helped families and 
causes in their communities. The organization reviews a pool of nearly 
5,000 candidates from across the nation nominated by elementary, 
middle, and high schools, as well as other civic organizations. Created 
in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National 
Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards 
emphasize the importance our Nation places on service to others and 
encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Hanna De 
Bruyn, Anna Murphy, and the rest of these distinguished honorees from 
Connecticut and across the Nation, for their contributions to their 
communities and for embodying the core value of service that we all 
share.

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