[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DANIEL C. TWEEDALL II

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding achievement of Daniel Tweedall from Evansville, Indiana. On 
February 28, 1999, Daniel Tweedall was announced the fifth place 
National winner in the 1999 Voice of Democracy Program. For his fine 
performance, Daniel will receive a $5,000 Scholarship Award provided by 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary.
  A Junior at Evansville Central High School, Daniel submitted his 
winning audio essay script entitled, ``My Service to America'' to the 
Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy contest. This 
beautiful essay was judged the winner from more than 1,500 entries 
submitted by Indiana student competitors in the 1998-1999 competition. 
Daniel's essay then went on to its fifth place finish in the nationwide 
competition. More than 80,000 students participated in this year's 
contest.
  Daniel's moving essay described how the speech given by one of his 
government teachers following the drive-by shooting of the teacher's 
sister had inspired him to serve America as the teacher's sister had. 
Daniel explained how he chose to serve America through community 
service in such organizations as Habitat for Humanity. Daniel wrote, 
``I know that every time I help the woman next door shovel her walk 
when it snows, serve a hot meal at the rescue mission, or simply walk 
down the street and smile at someone, the flame from my already burning 
torch warms the heart, making them want to do more for others and 
believe in the youth of America.'' Daniel now hopes he will inspire 
others to also serve our country through military service, public 
office, or community service.
  After graduation, Daniel plans to attend either DePauw University or 
the University of Notre Dame where he expects to pursue a career in 
medicine. Daniel is the President of his class, the vice-president of 
the school's speech team, and the Secretary of the school's Spanish 
club. In addition to Habitat for Humanity, Daniel is also involved in 
the Evansville Rescue Mission and Teen Power.
  I commend Daniel on his tremendous accomplishment. Not only has he 
won a very competitive essay contest, he has also demonstrated the 
finest qualities of leadership, national service, and community 
involvement. I hope that his example will inspire others to serve our 
country.

                          ____________________