[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1827]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       MRS. PRANKE'S SIXTH GRADE

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I rise 
today to recognize a special group of students. It is not often enough 
that we have the opportunity to acknowledge heartwarming acts of 
kindness, but the actions of Mrs. Pranke's sixth grade class in 
Sheyenne, ND, have touched my hearts and the heart of their neighbors 
and friends.
  Throughout their years together, this special group of students has 
worked on more than one occasion to serve their community. As third 
graders, they collected box tops to purchase new games for schoolmates. 
When they were in the fifth grade, they initiated a fundraiser and 
donated the proceeds to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, ND.
  As one final project, Mrs. Pranke's sixth graders decided to treat 
themselves to a class trip to celebrate their years together before 
moving on to junior high school.
  The students began holding fundraisers for their trip. Shortly after 
all the funds had been raised, they learned that the father of one of 
their classmates had fallen critically ill. The students quickly 
realized that they were faced with unique circumstances. After learning 
of their classmate's situation and the medical costs the family would 
bear, the children chose to donate the funds to their classmate's 
family and forgo their class trip.
  By choosing to help with their hard-earned money rather than keep it 
for themselves, these extraordinary students proved that their hearts 
are deep and their love for one another is real.
  Again, I commend Mrs. Pranke's exceptional group of sixth graders. 
Their selfless act has reaffirmed that values and kindness have not 
been lost in a world that so often focuses on the negative. I wish them 
all the best as they finish their final year together and continued 
success as they begin a new chapter of their education next 
year.

                          ____________________