[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23668]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING UNION VALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2005

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize 
the marvelous response of the students of Union Vale Middle School in 
Lagrangeville, New York to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  Hurricane Katrina caused such extensive devastation that has had a 
profound effect on the entire country. When Hurricane Katrina made 
landfall on August 29, 2005, as a Category 4 storm, millions of 
American lives were changed forever. Americans in the Gulf Coast lost 
their families, homes, business, schools and communities. Intense 
rains, wind, flooding and tornadoes caused by Hurricane Katrina 
resulted in immense devastation of the Gulf Coast states. The residents 
of the affected areas are trying to find a way to rebuild their lives, 
despite returning to a lack of water, food and shelter.
  Americans across the nation felt the effects of Hurricane Katrina. To 
this day, Americans continue to donate money, time and effort to help 
rebuild this devastated part of the country. States across the country 
have taken in evacuees and are helping them find shelter and rebuild 
their lives. Colleges and universities have welcomed students displaced 
by Katrina to their campuses. Americans have opened their hearts to 
their fellow citizens.
  This great relief effort can be seen in the community of students, 
faculty and parents from Union Vale Middle School in Lagrangeville, New 
York. Upon learning of the terrible devastation caused by Katrina, 
Union Vale Middle School set to work raising funds to support the 
victims. The middle school established a ``Katrina Relief Week'', which 
included a ``Walk to Higher Ground'' walk-a-thon, bake sale, silent 
auction with prizes donated by faculty, staff and local businesses, 
along with a Faculty Benefit Showcase. In all, the community of Union 
Vale Middle School raised over $26,000. This is a marvelous 
accomplishment and a heartfelt donation to the victims of Hurricane 
Katrina.
  I would like to recognize the Union Vale Middle School community for 
their remarkable efforts for raising money for the areas devastated by 
Hurricane Katrina. The students, faculty and staff dedicated a great 
amount of time and money to this cause, demonstrating their concern for 
and compassion towards their fellow citizens. Union Vale Middle School 
is an exemplary community whose invaluable dedication to helping our 
nation deserves our recognition.

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