[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 14944]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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       HONORING SOUTH DAKOTA CONGRESSIONAL GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to publicly commend 
an outstanding group of young people from my home State of South 
Dakota. These fourteen extraordinary students were recently honored 
with the Congressional Gold Award, a prestigious award given to a very 
select group of dedicated young people from throughout the Nation.
  The Congressional Award program was established by Congress in 1979 
to recognize the initiative, achievement, and service of extraordinary 
young people from across the Nation. The Award was signed into law by 
President Jimmy Carter, and each president since Carter has renewed the 
authorizing legislation.
  To qualify for the Congressional Gold Award, an individual aged 14 to 
23 must complete at least 800 hours of goal-oriented work in four 
program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical 
Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. These program areas emphasize each 
person's capacity to grow and develop as an individual, as well as how 
each person can selflessly contribute to the happiness and well-being 
of their community.
  South Dakota Congressional Gold Award recipients chose to volunteer 
their time and talents in many different areas, where they made 
tremendous contributions. One recipient volunteered at the Veterans 
Affairs hospital in Ft. Meade, SD. Some awardees became mentors or Girl 
Scout leaders, while others volunteered at childcare centers, athletic 
associations, local schools, parks, and even in the South Dakota State 
Penitentiary. One individual actually established an annual volksmarch 
in their hometown.
  For their outstanding commitment to physical fitness, personal 
development, exploration, and for committing their hearts and hands to 
volunteering in their communities, I would like to congratulate the 
following young South Dakotans for receiving the Congressional Gold 
Award: Kary Bullock of Ashton; Eric Davies of Whitewood; Nicole Hammer, 
Janelle Stahl, Kayla Stahl, and Michelle Jilek of Mellette; Ryun 
Haugaard and Norman Haugaard II of Milbank; Carrie Larson and Jessica 
Larson of Mitchell; Alexsis Malsam of Aberdeen; Andrea McComsey and 
Tracey Smith of Conde; and Betsy Valnes of Sioux Falls.
  I thank these outstanding young people for their immeasurable 
contributions to their communities, the State of South Dakota, and our 
Nation. It is because of individuals like these that I have great faith 
in the continued success and prosperity of our great Nation. These 
individuals truly serve as an example for all young Americans.

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