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Rep. Terri Sewell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sally White, a remarkable young lady from the Seventh Congressional District of Alabama who was a recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal of Service for Youth Award.

Sally is a driven, committed, and determined young lady who is destined for success. She is currently a senior at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Alabama, and has a 4.32 grade point average. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading squad for 3 years and was captain of the squad this year. She was also named a Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American.

Sally has been involved in the Thespian Drama Honor Society for 6 years and attended the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska where she worked with theater students from around the world. She is a member of the National Honor Society, attended Alabama's Girls State, and is a Thomasville Chamber Ambassador.

Sally has been very passionate about public service and mission work. She traveled to Ecuador for 2 weeks in the summer of 2010, planting trees to raise money for village schools. Sally serves as a volunteer for the summer reading program at the Thomasville Public Library and volunteers in the extended day program at Thomasville Elementary School to assist young students with homework.

Sally plans to pursue a college degree in either biomedical or chemical engineering. After college, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D. or medical degree. Her ultimate goal is to one day work in the medical research field to develop cures for this Nation's most troubling diseases.

Sally is one of 14 youth in the State of Alabama who has received the Congressional Gold Medal of Service Award since its inception by Congress in 1979. The award provides a unique opportunity for young people to set and achieve personal challenging goals that build character and foster community service. Unlike many other awards, recipients do not win the Congressional Gold Medal of Service. They earn it. Sally earned this accolade by setting and achieving goals in four program areas: volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness, and explorations. In her more than 800 hours of community service, she strengthened her commitment to public service and realized the power that one individual can make in one's community and in this world.

I had the great privilege of presenting the Congressional Gold Medal of Service Award to Sally 2 weeks ago on January 11, 2012, during a student assembly at Thomasville High School. I was impressed by Sally's poise, grace, and strength and her commitment to helping others. When asked about the award, Sally stated: ``Receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Service for Youth Award has been a tremendous honor for me. I am thankful for the love and support I have been provided while working towards this award. I am extremely humbled by this honor.''

Sally's principal, Mr. Kyle Ferguson, expressed the sentiments of her teachers, advisers, and mentors when he stated: ``Sally White is without a doubt one of the most driven, goal-oriented, and conscientious young people that I have ever encountered. She is certainly operating at a level far beyond her years. We are honored that she has been with us through her high school years.''

Sally White is an excellent role model and a wonderful example of servant leadership. We should all aspire to work as hard as Sally for the good of others and for our own personal development. I want to applaud Sally's teachers, family members, friends, and the Thomasville community for helping to shape and nurture an outstanding student.

On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this Nation, we recognize and congratulate Sally White for receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Service for Youth Award for her hard work, dedication, and community involvement. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Sally White for her exemplary commitment to public service.