[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING NICOLE SHAH'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 15, 2015

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nicole Shah for her 
outstanding service in the Springfield, Missouri, community and to 
congratulate her on receiving one of two 2015 Prudential Spirit of 
Community Awards for the state of Missouri and the President's 
Volunteer Service Award.
  Nicole is president and co-founder of Every Teen Helps Inspire 
Change, also known as ETHIC. ETHIC was formed to help sick children and 
others suffering from serious illness. She and friends founded the non-
profit two years ago while planning a service project for her school. 
She saw the need for teenagers in the community to have a constant 
opportunity for service. In the two years since ETHIC's founding, the 
group has raised $75,000 and has put the funds toward the purchase of a 
frozen treat machine at Springfield's Mercy Hospital for children 
undergoing chemotherapy to relieve pain from mouth sores. Other efforts 
have included organizing a fundraiser to help pay for 10 Nepalese 
patients' major surgeries as well as a painting project and auction to 
raise funds for Mercy Children's Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research 
Hospital and its local Ronald McDonald Houses.
  The powerful impact ETHIC has had on the community continues to 
expand as more Springfield teenagers from area high schools join the 
cause. Nicole is responsible for recruitment, budgeting, group 
promotions and event planning for the non-profit and hopes to further 
spread the influence at the college level next year.
  It is an honor to represent such fine young people as Nicole Shah. 
Nicole, at the age of 16, has had a positive impact on lives around the 
world. I look forward to hearing many more great stories from ETHIC and 
Nicole as the group moves forward. I congratulate her on this 
phenomenal achievement.

                          ____________________