[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      MARIA KELLER AND ZAKRIA GHANI RECEIVE YOUTH VOLUNTEER AWARDS

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Maria Keller of Plymouth 
and Zakria Ghani of Maple Grove for being recognized as Minnesota's top 
youth volunteers by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
  Maria, a sophomore at Orono High School, was awarded the top prize 
after setting up a program called ``Read Indeed,'' which has collected 
more than 1.7 million books and has provided them to underprivileged 
children. It is estimated that 800,000 students have received books 
from the organization.
  Zakria, a senior at Al-Amal School, was a finalist for raising 
critical money for the victims of a devastating fire in Minneapolis. 
His efforts resulted in raising $8,500 within one week after the fire 
in order to help the affected victims and residents.
  Mr. Speaker, the work and service by these young people to serve and 
assist others should be inspiring to us all, and thanks to their 
actions, countless people have been helped. Their selflessness will 
serve them and their communities well in the future, and these 
accolades are well deserved.
  Congratulations to Maria and Zakria.

                          ____________________