[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DYLAN DeCLERCK

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dylan 
DeClerck for being recognized by the Des Moines Business Record as this 
year's Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.
  At a young age Dylan recognized that one of the most important 
aspects of life is giving back to others and helping those that need it 
most. For his part, Dylan founded the organization Opportunity on Deck 
at the age of 16. This organization plays a key role in empowering 
youth by encouraging active lifestyles and athletics. Dylan's 
organization has served over 500 children in Greater Des Moines and 
continues teaching young people the importance of healthy living, 
teamwork and sportsmanship. Opportunity on Deck gives youth who 
wouldn't normally have a chance to participate in sports camps the 
ability to experience them free of charge.
  Dylan's willingness to serve others before himself has already made a 
long-lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of young people in the 
Greater Des Moines area. His dedication to improving the community 
through volunteerism and civic engagement is a testament to his 
character. Today, Dylan attends Drake University as a marketing and 
finance student. Although he is busy with his studies he continues to 
volunteer what little extra time he has to serving others.
  Mr. Speaker, Dylan's leadership and display of civic duty at such a 
young age gives me great hope for our nation's future. It is Iowans 
like him who make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the 
people of our great state. I ask that my colleagues in the United 
States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dylan for 
receiving this outstanding recognition and in wishing him nothing but 
continued success.

                          ____________________