[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL 4-H COUNCIL'S 2019 YOUTH IN ACTION AWARD 
                               RECIPIENT

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                           HON. JAMIE RASKIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2019

  Mr. RASKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
work of the National 4-H Council, our country's largest youth 
development organization, as well as Clyde Van Dyke, the national 
winner of the 2019 4-H Youth in Action Award. Clyde, who also won the 
4-H Youth in Action STEM Pillar Award, was honored at the National 4-H 
Council's Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C., and is being awarded 
$10,000 in scholarships for higher education.
   The 4-H Youth in Action Award recognizes Clyde for his resilience 
and commitment to using technology to spark community change. Clyde 
faced many challenges during his childhood, including the loss of his 
mother at a young age. He was further discouraged in elementary school 
when he was told that most kids with his background ``wouldn't 
succeed.'' These feelings of defeat led him to put forth little effort 
in school. Everything changed for Clyde when a friend invited him to a 
4-H technology club meeting. Not only did the 4-H program provide Clyde 
with access and exposure to technology, it also helped him develop 
important life skills that altered his perspective and boosted his 
drive to succeed.
   4-H empowers nearly 6 million young people like Clyde across the 
United States through experiences that develop critical life and career 
skills. Through a network of 110 public universities and more than 
3,000 local extension offices, 4-H serves every county and parish in 
the United States. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs 
to empower approximately 1 million young people in 50 countries. Young 
people who take part in the research-backed 4-H experience are four 
times more likely as their peers to contribute to their communities; 
twice as likely to make healthier life choices; twice as likely to be 
civically active; and twice as likely to participate in STEM programs.
   I commend 4-H for its ongoing work to educate and engage our young 
people and I salute Clyde Van Dyke for his exemplary perseverance, 
civic engagement, and ingenuity.

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