[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 25 (Friday, February 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DYLAN DeCLERCK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 15, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Dylan 
DeClerck, a 17-year-old senior of Valley High School in West Des 
Moines, Iowa, who has achieved national recognition for exemplary 
volunteer service in his community from the 2013 Prudential Spirit of 
Community Awards program.
  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's 
largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community 
service. The program was created in conjunction with Prudential and the 
National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor middle and 
high school students for outstanding service to benefit others at the 
local, state, and national level. Since 1995, more than 345,000 
American youths have participated in this excellent program.
  Dylan was recently selected as one of Iowa's four distinguished 
finalists for creating and organizing a baseball league for young 
children who could not otherwise afford to play our national pastime. 
Dylan promoted his league, ``Opportunity on Deck'', by meeting with 
local ball club officials for support and sponsorships. Throughout the 
summer, Mr. DeClerck organized clinic activities and promoted the 
league through local media. There is no doubt Dylan's selfless efforts 
brought immeasurable joy and lasting benefits to the young people that 
participated in Opportunity on Deck.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. 
DeClerck for his sincere dedication to positively impacting the lives 
of others in his community. Dylan's commitment to a cause greater than 
himself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering 
work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. Our future is bright 
with young people like Dylan, and it is an honor to represent him and 
his family in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the 
House to join me in congratulating Dylan, thanking his supportive 
family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project 
for their life-changing efforts.