[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE WEST SENECA YOUTH THEATRE AS COMMUNITY SERVICE 
                        ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the West 
Seneca Youth Theatre, as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce names the 
group 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year during their 
annual Community Awards ceremony at Kloc's Grove.
  The West Seneca Youth Theatre was founded in 2005 to give children 
ages 10 to 17 an opportunity to perform in a theatrical setting. Since 
its creation, the theatre has presented numerous productions of 
professional caliber, teaching children the value of hard work, 
friendship, and giving back to others.
  In addition to performing at local schools, the West Seneca Youth 
Theatre has entertained at the Kiwanis Club's annual Christmas and 
Easter celebrations for adults with disabilities, and has visited and 
performed at assisted living and long-term-care facilities including 
the Garden Gate Health Care facility and Father Baker Manor.
  A fixture in the community, the West Seneca Youth Theatre presents 
Christmas carols at the Southgate Plaza annually, and has frequently 
been invited to perform at Town of West Seneca-sponsored programs.
  Outside of bringing entertainment and joy to many, the theatre troupe 
consistently gives back to the community. Following extensive flood 
damage in 2014 to the Lexington Green neighborhood, children in the 
theatre raised more than $9,000 for those affected. Each year, students 
and directors volunteer their time and expertise to West Middle School 
productions, as well as loaning out set pieces and costumes to various 
school productions in the area.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the West 
Seneca Youth Theatre. I congratulate the West Seneca Youth Theatre as 
the recipient of the 2018 Community Service Organization of the Year 
award and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________