Political Quotes

“I rise today to recognize the extraordinary efforts of a group of Maine high school students in the ongoing efforts to rebuild Homestead, FL. Last month, our Nation watched in horror the devastation caused by the California earthquake. We were reminded once again of the sometimes overwhelming power that Mother Nature can unleash. In August of 1992, another natural disaster struck our Nation. Hurricane Andrew came ashore at Homestead, FL, destroying homes and seriously disrupting residents' lives. Today, more than 16 months later, the effort to rebuild continues. Countless volunteers have donated goods and services. In January, a group of high school students from Foster Applied Technology Center in Farmington, ME, returned from their second trip to Homestead. These students used the carpentry skills they have learned in school to help reconstruct homes for Florida families still living in temporary housing. Students have installed roof trusses, braced and framed houses to meet Florida codes, sheathed, papered and shingled roofs, and framed interior walls and partitions. Not only were the Foster Technology students able to do much work themselves, but they also shared their talents by teaching less skilled volunteers. Many high school students travel to sunny Florida during school vacations to relax and play. These students, however, went to Florida with a greater purpose: to help people.”