[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 27, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S5050]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CAROLINE KEANE

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Caroline 
Keane of Concord as September's Granite Stater of the Month. For the 
past 8 years, Caroline has organized the Ready to Learn Fair, where 
Concord School District students can receive free backpacks and other 
school supplies.
  About 9 years ago, when Caroline was an education assistant for 
Rundlett Middle School's autism program, she came across a young 
student who was attempting to carry his books in a flimsy plastic bag, 
crying. He was upset because the plastic bag--his makeshift backpack--
had torn open.
  She began raising money to purchase school supplies and reaching out 
to local businesses and organizations to donate materials or provide 
free services.
  Over the past 8 years, the Ready to Learn Fair has expanded beyond 
just school supplies and has become an essential part of the school's 
community. At the fair, the New England School of Barbering provides 
free haircuts; and there is a long line for this every year. Caroline 
also works to bring representatives from the district's Free and 
Reduced Lunch Program to the fair so that families can sign up their 
kids. Last year, families could get their COVID-19 vaccines, and this 
year she is collecting winter supplies such as coats and hats for 
students in need. After the fair, Caroline stores any leftover supplies 
in a closet at the school, so that students can access the supplies 
throughout the year.
  After seeing a need in her community, Caroline took action to make 
sure that students, regardless of their family's income, are prepared 
for school--helping students succeed and alleviating parents' stress. 
Even beyond this impact, Caroline's initiative brought her community 
together, from volunteers, to small business owners, to the school's 
maintenance team, to donors. Caroline's initiative represents the 
Granite State spirit of taking care of your neighbors and bringing 
people together for a common goal, and I commend her for her 
work.

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