Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E823-E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING COLE SAMPSON AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 11, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise to ask the House of Representatives
to join me in honoring a dedicated and community-minded young man from
Cass County for this week's Iowan of the Week. Cole Sampson, now a
freshman at Iowa State University, was recently honored with the 2020
Silver Cord Scholarship in his hometown of Atlantic, Iowa. The Silver
Cord Program promotes volunteerism with all civic organizations in the
area. Atlantic High School seniors who volunteered a minimum of 200
hours throughout their high school career graduated this year with a
silver cord and were eligible for a scholarship provided by the
Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.
``The Silver Cord program was started to educate students about the
importance of community service. It gives students the opportunity to
see firsthand how investing their time can enhance and grow their
community,''
[[Page E824]]
Bailey Smith, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of
Commerce said.
Cole volunteered for numerous community activities, including Red
Cross community blood drives, RAGBRAI, AtlanticFest, Coca-Cola Days,
Christmas in Atlantic Ice-Skating Rink, and more. One of his favorite
days among them was enlisting at a company picnic for a local
organization. There, he manned bouncy castles and was able to interact
with a lot of great community members.
``A big lesson I learned from these experiences was the importance of
coordination and communication. I saw the many details and all the
preparation that goes into events like these and how it can go smoothly
if things are well planned and executed. I come from a family who
believes in volunteering,'' Cole stated.
Volunteerism is significant to the entire Sampson family, Cole's
mother Jackie being an encouraging force for Cole to continue
volunteering within his community. His grandmother, Eleanor Hoover, was
also a role model for what it means to be a true member of the
community.
``My grandmother was always ready to help in the community in any way
she was able, whether it was with sporting competitions, YMCA events,
or with anyone else who needed a hand,'' said Cole.
Maintaining a rural community takes many hands and the work is never
finished. Atlantic's Silver Cord Scholarship program is a great example
of not only how to maintain a community, but also how to instill from a
young age a sense of purpose and pride in giving back for the greater
good. Because of that early engagement and opportunity to learn, a
young man is carrying important Iowa values with him from Atlantic to
Ames and beyond. I am proud to recognize Cole for his dedication to
supporting his hometown and causes that make a meaningful, local
impact. I am even prouder knowing there are many young people from
communities across southwest Iowa who are carrying that same spirit
forward as they embark on the next phase. It is my honor to share Cole
Sampson's story and recognize him as our Iowan of the Week.
____________________