[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 7, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO KATELYN CINNAMON

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 18-
year-old Katelyn Cinnamon of Valley High School in West Des Moines, 
Iowa, who has been named the state's top high school youth volunteer 
for 2013 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. 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, 345,000 American youths 
have participated in this program, with only 102 state honorees chosen 
each year.
   Katelyn's path to this prestigious award began with a stroke of 
inspiration while helping at the Blank Children's Hospital Hematology/
Oncology Clinic. After witnessing the courage and strength of the 
patients up-close, she wanted to take her volunteerism to the next 
level. She set out to raise $10,000 to buy six tablet computers for the 
clinic and pay for an annual oncology camp at which patients could 
enjoy typical camp activities. She also collects fleece tie blankets 
for the Children's Cancer Connection in Des Moines. With the help of a 
friend and networking in the community, she has achieved almost half of 
her fundraising goal and has delivered the tablet computers to the 
clinic.
   As a state honoree, Katelyn received a $1,000 prize, an engraved 
silver medallion, and was recently recognized at an award ceremony and 
gala dinner reception at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural 
History in our nation's capital.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud 
Miss Cinnamon for her sincere dedication to positively impacting the 
lives of others in her community and beyond. Katelyn'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. Our 
future is bright with young people like Katelyn, and it is an honor to 
represent her and her family in the United States Congress. I invite my 
colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Katelyn, thanking 
her supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this 
wonderful project for their life-changing efforts.

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