[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24849]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF SYLACAUGA, ALABAMA: ONE OF THE 100 BEST 
                COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the City of Sylacauga, Alabama, a unique town in the Third 
Congressional District that was recently named by America's Promise as 
one of the 100 best communities in America for young people.
  As its 13,000 citizens know, Sylacauga still retains that old-
fashioned charm which defines small town America. Yet it's also a 
forward-looking community that prides itself on its schools, and 
recognizes that the children of today are our leaders of tomorrow. In 
that regard, the city has created a variety of programs geared for 
children and teens, including a program known as BRIDGES. This unique 
initiative, which was identified by America's Promise as one of the 
city's crown achievements, provides school age children special 
opportunities to participate in recreational activities while under 
supervision of volunteers and staff. It also gives older children the 
opportunity to do volunteer work and give back to their community.
  Mr. Speaker, this is indeed a proud achievement for the City of 
Sylacauga, and further demonstrates the importance its citizens place 
on educating its children. I am proud that one of East Alabama's small 
towns has made this prestigious list, and salute the citizens and local 
officials who helped make this achievement possible. I thank the House 
for its attention to this important matter today.

                          ____________________