Honoring Jacqueline Sandmeyer

HONORING JACQUELINE SANDMEYER

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and congratulate an Idaho student who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Jacqueline Sandmeyer of Boise has been named one of the Nation's top youth volunteers by the 2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. This honor is conferred on only one high school student and one mid-level student in each State. I applaud Jacqueline's efforts to improve her community.

Jacqueline, an eighth-grader at St. Joseph's School, has collected more than 1,000 pounds of food and 200 coats, mittens, and hats for the homeless over the past 4 years. When she was nine, Jacqueline noticed a group of children shivering in the cold outside of a rescue mission. Moved by the experience, Jacqueline packed up her winter clothes for donation, along with her saved-up allowance of $275 to take to the shelter. With the help of her parents, she then placed collection boxes in her school and government buildings. She also solicited donations from her neighbors and appealed to her entire community for help through the news media. Jacqueline summed up my feelings well, when she said, "I know that no matter what age you are, you can make a difference."

Jacqueline has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment and accomplishment and deserves our admiration and respect. She has played an important role in her community and serves as an example to her peers. I join with her family and friends in honoring her commitment to the State of Idaho.