[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THANKING STARBUCKS AND THEIR UPSTANDERS SERIES FOR RECOGNIZING THE 
                            BALDWIN PROMISE

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank 
Starbucks and their Upstanders series for recognizing Baldwin Community 
Schools and the Baldwin Promise. It is wonderful to see an organization 
highlight a caring community like Baldwin, which united to raise funds 
that will help their children pay for college.
   The Upstanders series all began with an idea from Starbucks' CEO 
Howard Schultz and Executive Vice President Rajiv Chandrasekaran. It 
was created to showcase uplifting American stories and bring citizens 
across our nation together. Chandrasekaran stated the Upstanders 
mission well when he quipped, ``Our goal is very simple: we want to 
connect with millions of Americans and inspire and engage them. That's 
it.'' If Starbucks is looking for an inspiring community, then they 
chose the perfect one in Michigan's second district with Baldwin.
   Baldwin Community Schools was designated as a Michigan Promise Zone 
in 2009, meaning that every child in Baldwin has a tuition free path to 
a college education. Earning this designation took commitment and 
sacrifice from the entire Baldwin community. In order to be designated, 
the village of Baldwin had to privately fundraise over $100,000. 
Baldwin looked within for donations, even though it is located in Lake 
County, where more than 24 percent of residents live below the poverty 
level. Nevertheless, the citizens of Baldwin banded together, giving 
whatever they could.
   Baldwin exceeded their goal by 150 percent, raising more than 
$160,000 to put a down payment on their children's future. Because of 
the community's sacrifice, Baldwin earned the Promise Zone designation. 
Now, any student who graduates from Baldwin High School is granted 
$5,000 per year for four years to attend the college of their choice.
   The people of Baldwin and their commitment to their community and 
one another truly exemplify what West Michigan is all about. I want to 
thank Starbucks for creating the Upstanders series and sharing 
Baldwin's story with the nation.

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