[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9364]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2005

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) on the occasion of their 
20th Anniversary. Founded in 1985, the Council has long been committed 
to inspiring America's youth to achieve their full leadership 
potential.
  CYLC has educated over 200,000 individually selected young men and 
women representing all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
American territories, and over 100 countries around the world since its 
founding. From my district alone, we have had more than 200 students 
participate in this outstanding and innovative program and in the 
entire State of Maryland over 1,600 students have had this terrific 
opportunity.
  These energetic and dedicated young men and women are academically 
well-rounded, involved in their schools and communities, frequently 
interested in careers of government and service, and eager to develop 
their leadership skills. In addition to representing all comers of the 
country and globe, they are culturally, racially, and economically 
diverse.
  The Congressional Youth Leadership Council programs bring thousands 
of students to Capitol Hill each year in an effort to deepen their 
understanding of the realities of government, citizenship, and service. 
I know my colleagues and our staff appreciate the opportunity to 
discuss important local, national, and global issues with these bright 
and eager young students.
  Essential to the success of these and other CYLC programs is the 
focus on learning through experience. Students are challenged with 
simulations, role playing, and debate. They are charged with applying 
those experiences to abundant opportunities for personal interaction 
among each other and with today's leaders. The greatest outcome of this 
type of educational experience is open dialogue, perspective sharing, 
and cultural exchanges that increase understanding, cooperation, and 
teamwork.
  The Congressional Youth Leadership Council inspires and energizes 
young men and women who return to their homes, communities, and schools 
with the tools and commitment to be effective leaders both today and 
for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to please join me in 
congratulating CYLC on 20 years of positively impacting the lives of 
America's youth, our next generation of leaders.

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