[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 157 (Friday, September 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E823-E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING COLE SAMPSON AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise to ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring a dedicated and community-minded young man from 
Cass County for this week's Iowan of the Week. Cole Sampson, now a 
freshman at Iowa State University, was recently honored with the 2020 
Silver Cord Scholarship in his hometown of Atlantic, Iowa. The Silver 
Cord Program promotes volunteerism with all civic organizations in the 
area. Atlantic High School seniors who volunteered a minimum of 200 
hours throughout their high school career graduated this year with a 
silver cord and were eligible for a scholarship provided by the 
Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.
  ``The Silver Cord program was started to educate students about the 
importance of community service. It gives students the opportunity to 
see firsthand how investing their time can enhance and grow their 
community,''

[[Page E824]]

Bailey Smith, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of 
Commerce said.
  Cole volunteered for numerous community activities, including Red 
Cross community blood drives, RAGBRAI, AtlanticFest, Coca-Cola Days, 
Christmas in Atlantic Ice-Skating Rink, and more. One of his favorite 
days among them was enlisting at a company picnic for a local 
organization. There, he manned bouncy castles and was able to interact 
with a lot of great community members.
  ``A big lesson I learned from these experiences was the importance of 
coordination and communication. I saw the many details and all the 
preparation that goes into events like these and how it can go smoothly 
if things are well planned and executed. I come from a family who 
believes in volunteering,'' Cole stated.
  Volunteerism is significant to the entire Sampson family, Cole's 
mother Jackie being an encouraging force for Cole to continue 
volunteering within his community. His grandmother, Eleanor Hoover, was 
also a role model for what it means to be a true member of the 
community.
  ``My grandmother was always ready to help in the community in any way 
she was able, whether it was with sporting competitions, YMCA events, 
or with anyone else who needed a hand,'' said Cole.
  Maintaining a rural community takes many hands and the work is never 
finished. Atlantic's Silver Cord Scholarship program is a great example 
of not only how to maintain a community, but also how to instill from a 
young age a sense of purpose and pride in giving back for the greater 
good. Because of that early engagement and opportunity to learn, a 
young man is carrying important Iowa values with him from Atlantic to 
Ames and beyond. I am proud to recognize Cole for his dedication to 
supporting his hometown and causes that make a meaningful, local 
impact. I am even prouder knowing there are many young people from 
communities across southwest Iowa who are carrying that same spirit 
forward as they embark on the next phase. It is my honor to share Cole 
Sampson's story and recognize him as our Iowan of the Week.

                          ____________________