[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12294]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES CLAYTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Charles Clayton on earning the Community Hero Award, given by Safeco 
Insurance, for his longtime dedication to helping others and inspiring 
positive change in his community of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
  Charles is the founder of ``Athletics for Education and Success.'' By 
receiving a second chance as a youth, he felt the calling to educate 
and empower underprivileged youth. Athletics for Education and Success 
gives selected youth the opportunity to participate in athletic 
programs they are likely unable to afford. Charles incorporates 
education with athletics by focusing on tough issues that kids face 
today including drugs, teen pregnancy, and gangs.
  In addition, Charles has also organized a Disproportionate Minority 
Representation Council in Fort Dodge to create partnerships between 
citizens, law enforcement authorities, and schools in order to reduce 
the disproportionate amount of minority youth arrests in the area.
  Charles's dedication to his community and his commitment to improving 
the life of others should be commended. I consider it an honor to 
represent Charles Clayton in the United States Congress and I know my 
colleagues join me in wishing him the best in his continued work 
serving others.

                          ____________________