[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING ROBERT HILL YOUTH FOUNDATION, INC.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Robert Hill Youth Foundation, Inc., Charleston, MS inside of 
Tallahatchie County, MS.
  The Robert Hill Youth Foundation, Inc. began in the early 1980's by 
Mr. Robert Hill. It was initially conceived with the idea of simply 
being a sports organization for youth focusing on baseball. The 
organization eventually ceased being active after the death of Mr. Hill 
in 1991.
  In the year 2000, Mr. Cedric Terry revived the organization because 
the youth in the community didn't have many options for constructive 
activities and adult mentoring. He took on the task of recruiting 
children and parent's involvement. Mr. Terry was successful by getting 
9 boys excited about playing baseball for the summer and competing. 
Their team would travel and they would be role models for other youth. 
Everyone had to pledge to abide by the rules, get good grades in 
school, and participate in an award ceremony at the end of the season.
  Mr. Terry's vision was just what the youth in the community needed to 
take the Robert Hill Youth Foundation to the next level. It was just 
what Mr. Hill always wanted the organization to be. The organization 
grew and became a huge success serving over 10,000 boys and girls. The 
effort was so well received that it attracted youth not just inside 
Charleston, but they came from miles outside the area. It now has 
extended its activities to include education, recreation and arts for 
youth in the area.
  Through their education program they offer: Abstinence Education, 
After School Tutoring, and Fatherhood Preparation. Their recreation 
program offers: basketball, football, baseball and track. The arts 
program includes: praise dancing, dancing and acting classes. Since 
2000 through 2015 the organization has been responsible for helping 
over 500 boys and girls in the area attend and receive a college 
education.
  Their accolades are just as impressive. In fact, there are too many 
to name them all. A few of them include constructing the first park in 
Charleston in order to be home based for the youth. All they had to do 
was walk to the park and ``Play ball!'' Thanks to the Robert Hill Youth 
Foundation their work has reached all comers of youth life. In 2011 the 
Charleston High School Tigers Football Team won its 1st State Football 
Championship. Almost ninety percent of the players came from the Robert 
Hill Youth Foundation. In 2012 the Charleston High School Lady Tigers 
Basketball Team was the runner up in the Girls Basketball State 
Tournament. And over ninety-five percent of the girls played for the 
Robert Hill Youth Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today, in recognizing the 
Robert Hill Youth Foundation, an asset to Tallahatchie County in the 
Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

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