[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6166]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING HOMETOWN U.S.A. PROGRAM

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an organization in 
my district in Leesburg, Florida, that is making a difference for the 
people of Florida.
  Florida's Hometown U.S.A. was formed to instill in Florida's youth 
the value of volunteer service. Students from across the State are 
selected each year to participate in the program. Each year five 
students are selected from elementary school to high school as 
participants. The volunteers' focus is on helping children and the 
elderly by providing food, clothes, personal care items, and assistance 
wherever it is needed.
  Each year the organization holds its Florida Hometown U.S.A. pageant, 
which serves as its main fundraiser. Florida's Hometown U.S.A. program 
has received recognition for the positive impact and outcome it has 
achieved in the local communities.
  I want to congratulate these fine young volunteers, especially the 
fine young students who are selected every year, and especially program 
director Linda Watts, for all she has done over the past 22 years. She 
has enhanced the community of Leesburg which I represent. Thank you, 
Linda, for all of your hard work. Keep up your hard work for the 
program, and God bless you.

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