[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5399]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE PORTAGE YOUTH COMMISSION'S FIRST ANNUAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP 
                                 SUMMIT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you to recognize the Portage Youth Commission's first annual 
Youth Leadership Summit. This remarkable event, which will bring 
together students from over 40 area high schools, will take place on 
Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Woodland Park in Portage, IN.
  The Portage Youth Commission was established in 2002 after local 
officials recognized the need for greater participation from the youth 
in the community. They knew the youth had a very influential voice, and 
that voice needed to be heard. Advised by Mayor Doug Olson and 
Councilwoman Olga Velasquez, the commission, made up of high school 
students from the city of Portage, has become a very significant 
component of the Portage community. Through their efforts, the 
commission has successfully founded a Youth Service Day and an annual 
charity art auction, and they have also sponsored various other events 
focused on the community's youth.
  With this year's Youth Leadership Summit, the Portage Youth 
Commission hopes to set the tone for years to come. During this event, 
students from all parts of Northwest Indiana will come together to 
share experiences and learn valuable leadership skills that will 
benefit them throughout their lifetimes. The goal of the commission is 
that by learning from each other, as well as teaching each other, these 
students will realize that they are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is 
up to them to take responsibility for the progress of their communities 
and their Nation.
  A special guest at this year's event will be Brett Eastburn, a 
motivational speaker who will address the students on the need for 
leaders to emerge in their generation. The summit will also consist of 
various exercises and activities aimed at promoting leadership 
qualities and a roundtable discussion on the importance of leaders in 
society.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the efforts of the 
Portage Youth Commission and the organizers of their first annual Youth 
Leadership Summit as they strive to educate the youth of Northwest 
Indiana on the importance of true leaders in our society. Their 
inspiring efforts are to be commended.

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