[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6301]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

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                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and 
thank the students, faculty, administrators, staff, and parents of 
Pleasant Valley Community High School. Pleasant Valley students have 
now contributed over 100,000 hours of service as part of the innovative 
PVHS Service Learning Program.
  In 2003, the PVHS community decided it was essential to teach 
students the importance of community service and civic responsibility. 
The school district created a bold service-learning program that 
requires all students to complete seventy hours of service before they 
graduate. Since the inception of the program, PVHS students have 
contributed their passion, intelligence, and creativity to 
organizations across the United States and the world. They have served 
people in need and helped communities address some of our most 
difficult problems.
  Today we face challenges that threaten the world economy, our 
national security, and the environment that makes life on earth 
possible. To meet these challenges and ensure that future generations 
can realize their full potential, we must embrace what the President 
has called a ``new era of responsibility in America.'' PVHS students 
have answered this call and set an example for all citizens to follow. 
Congratulations to Pleasant Valley Community High School and thank you.

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