[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO TANNER MERRIFIELD

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                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2014

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor 
Tanner Merrifield, an 18-year-old senior at Southeast Polk High School 
from Runnells, Iowa, who has achieved national recognition for 
exemplary volunteer service in his community from the 2014 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.
   Tanner was selected as one of Iowa's four distinguished finalists 
for undertaking an extensive project to restore two campsites that had 
fallen into disrepair at a local park. To tackle this task, Mr. 
Merrifield devoted months of hard work pursuing township approvals, 
soliciting donations, organizing volunteers, purchasing materials, and 
ultimately rebuilding the campsites. Following his hard work, each 
campsite now includes new trails, fire rings and landscaping. There is 
no doubt Tanner's selfless efforts will provide a lasting benefit to 
his community for years to come.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. 
Merrifield for his sincere dedication to positively impacting the lives 
of others in his community. Tanner'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 Tanner, 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 Tanner, thanking his supportive 
family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project 
for their life-changing efforts.

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