[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25477]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




MANKATO, MINNESOTA RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE ``100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR 
                             YOUNG PEOPLE''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GIL GUTKNECHT

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 8, 2005

  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of 
Mankato, Minnesota, for being a great place to live and grow up.
  On Nov. 1, the city of Mankato was recognized as one of the ``100 
Best Communities'' for Young People by America's Promise, an 
organization founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. At the 
awards ceremony in Washington, DC, Mankato also received a special 
award for its outreach efforts to Gulf Coast residents.
  Located on the beautiful Minnesota River in the heart of Blue Earth 
County, Mankato is a great place to live. But as America's Promise has 
recognized, Mankato is also a great place for young people. Boasting 
one of the lowest high school dropout rates among the Nation's small 
cities, Mankato remains committed to education and family values.
  In particular, I would like to recognize the parents and teachers of 
the city who devote their time to Mankato's youth. I would also like to 
commend Kathy Brynaert, Independent School District #77 School Board 
Chair and Anna Thill of the Mankato Area United Way who attended the 
awards ceremony and accepted the honor on behalf of the city.
  In addition to the award for being one of the ``100 Best Communities 
for Young People,'' Mankato was also recognized for its work in aiding 
communities devastated by recent hurricanes. Red Cross volunteers and 
professionals from Mankato immediately responded to the tragedy of 
Hurricane Katrina by traveling to the Gulf Coast to lend a helping 
hand. Meanwhile, back in Mankato, community residents and local 
organizations rallied to collect money and supplies for hurricane 
victims. Local students designed cards offering their love and support 
that were delivered to children there.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring and congratulating 
these outstanding Americans.

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