[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2011-2012]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF MERCER AND MONROE COUNTIES AS BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUTH

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of two 
counties in my district, Mercer and Monroe, which have again received 
the honor as two of the Nation's ``100 Best Communities for Youth 
2008'' by the Alliance for Youth. This is the third such award for 
Mercer County and the second award for Monroe County, both of whom were 
also honored last year.
  These counties competed against 750 participants from more than 300 
communities in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who were all vying for this unique 
distinction.
  This award is well-deserved, as these communities have dedicated 
themselves to fostering a healthy, safe, and caring environment for our 
young people. I share this vision and am deeply honored to once again 
have the only two localities in West Virginia recognized located in my 
district.
  I pledge to continue my work to make the communities in the Third 
District a healthy and nurturing environment for our children, by 
supporting legislation and programs that will keep our children safe. 
Last year, I supported full funding of both the Drug Free Communities 
grant program and the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program against the 
budget cuts recommended by the administration. These programs make a 
visible difference in our communities and are invaluable when it comes 
to preventing and reducing substance abuse, particularly with our 
teenagers and young adults.
  While these programs are effective, it is by far not the end of our 
work. As the folks of Mercer and Monroe counties can attest, we must 
not waver from our commitment to our youth. As much as we accomplish, 
we must strive to do better.
  West Virginia native and renowned author Pearl S. Buck once said, 
``If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all.''
  These are words to live by, words that Mercer and Monroe counties 
have once again proven they are living by everyday. I again commend the 
entire community--the teachers, the civic leaders, the parents, and the 
children as well, who are all so very bright--for the hard work they 
have done and continue to do.
  I encourage other communities in the Third District and across West 
Virginia and our Nation to follow the fine example set by Mercer and 
Monroe Counties in showing what it means to keep America's promise to 
our young people. As the Alliance for Youth said, ``It is our hope that 
these 100 Best inspire communities across the country to create 
environments where children and families have boundless 
opportunities.''

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