[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8373]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        MATTHEW COPUS IS A WINNER OF THE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring to your attention a young 
man in our community, Matthew Copus, who has been named one of New 
Mexico's top youth volunteers for 1999 in The Prudential Spirit of 
Community Award.
  Matthew's volunteer efforts truly reflect the spirit of community. 
For the past two years he has volunteered at All Faiths Receiving Home, 
a home for abused and neglected children. Matthew has worked hard to 
earn the trust of the children. His efforts include art projects, games 
and activities to encourage the children to communicate and regain 
social skills that have been damaged by abuse. Beyond his own volunteer 
time, Matthew has recruited other young people to volunteer and has 
raised money to help pay for supplies needed for projects. Matthew is 
committed to reducing child abuse and spreads the word through speaking 
engagements in the community.
  One of the most important factors in a child's life is a person who 
cares. Matthew makes a positive difference in the lives of many 
children and in our entire community. He is one of America's top youth 
volunteers. Join me in thanking Matthew Copus for the positive impact 
he has in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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