[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE 2008 CONGRESSIONAL CERTIFICATE OF MERIT AWARDEES FOR 
                MINNESOTA'S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 14 
exemplary high school students from every corner of Minnesota's Sixth 
Congressional District. Last week, I had the privilege of meeting 
several of them when I presented them with the Congressional 
Certificate of Merit. This program is a time-honored tradition that so 
many Members of Congress have used throughout the years to recognize 
the academic achievements and outstanding citizenship of America's high 
school students.
  Far too often, the evening news and daily papers are littered with 
stories of young America gone awry. It is easy to forget that these are 
just stories of the few bad apples. But just being in the presence of 
these tremendous students is enough to renew anyone's faith in our 
future. These young adults are shining stars, with strong academic 
records, extraordinary talents, great ambitions, and limitless energy.
  It was a true honor to be able to present these students with this 
recognition: Geoffrey Bible, Apollo High School; Matthew Brown, Elk 
River High School; Erika Bullert, Holdingford High School; Melissa 
Cedarholm, Woodbury High School; Jessie Hansen, New Life Academy; Laura 
Kant, Delano High School; Kayla Kastanek, Kimball Area High School; 
Jennifer Klippen, Becker High School; Meggie O'Keefe, Andover High 
School; Kyle Oliverius, Monticello High School; Elizabeth Swanson, 
Stillwater Area High School; Dana Van Bruggen, Buffalo High School; 
Rebekah Wolden, Rivers Christian Academic; and Jacob Young, Howard Lake 
Waverly Winstead High School.
  Each of these students was nominated by his or her school principal. 
Each of them has earned our accolades and admiration.

                          ____________________