[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 31, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF EMILY TORRANCE RECEIVING THE ATHENA YOUTH LEADERSHIP 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Torrance 
for receiving the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award in recognition of her 
public service to better the Ann Arbor community. Emily's advocacy on 
behalf of less fortunate in the Ann Arbor community has helped improve 
the lives of the homeless.
  Ms. Torrance has distinguished herself with her volunteer and 
philanthropic achievements that have achieved concrete results on 
behalf of Ann Arbor's homeless population. As a sixth grader, Ms. 
Torrance started S4 the Homeless after an encounter with homeless 
people on a cold day. In order to provide resources for those in need, 
Ms. Torrance hand knit and sold scarves. With the profits from these 
sales, she began bulk purchasing sub-zero sleeping bags at discounted 
rates. She was able to contact social services and work with these 
organizations to distribute the sleeping bags to help those in need. 
These provided shelter and warmth during the cold winter months in 
southeast Michigan. Ms. Torrance has since pivoted the organization's 
direction to sell services and better provide for the needs of the 
homeless.
  Ms. Torrance is now in 9th grade but continues her work to provide 
aid to those in need through S4 the Homeless. She advocates for the 
homeless through her school and in the community at large, and her 
efforts are instrumental to raising awareness and driving action to 
better provide for these individuals. Emily has motivated others to be 
more active within their communities, and it is inspiring to see her 
begin the journey of public service at such a young age. It is my hope 
that Ms. Torrance continues to serve her community in new and 
innovative ways in the years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Emily 
Torrance for her years of service to the Ann Arbor community through S4 
the Homeless. Ms. Torrance's advocacy on behalf of those less fortunate 
is inspiring and worthy of commendation.

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