[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 7819-7820] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING OUTSTANDING STUDENT GABRIELLA CONTRERAS ______ HON. ED PASTOR of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 28, 1999 Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Gabriella Contreras, a pupil at Roskruge Middle School in Tucson, Arizona, who has [[Page 7820]] been recognized by the prestigious 1999 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. This award salutes the most impressive student volunteers in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. With today's media focusing on tragic stories of troubled adolescents, we must not overlook those teenagers with high ideals and strong community values. Gabriella personifies those qualities and is a true role model in guiding other youth into positive activities that enhance their communities. As an elementary student, Gabriella was concerned over the gang violence, riots, and drug use which was evident within a neighboring high school. Determined to become part of a solution before her class entered that school, she organized a group of eight friends who picketed the school with placards bearing anti-violence and anti-drug slogans. Through the years, that core group continued to grow as it organized activities aimed at channeling teenagers into constructive endeavors. Today, Gabriella's group has become a community service organization which fills the dual role of improving local neighborhoods while providing a positive group setting for teenagers to identify with as an alternative to gang membership. Gabriella Contreras and the other recipients of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award have demonstrated outstanding initiative and act as an inspiration to other youth. As such, they represent a warm ray of sunshine during these times of bewildering incidents involving violent and disturbed young people. They are the individuals who will lead their generation into a productive and bright future, and I salute their efforts on behalf of their communities and our Nation. ____________________