Recognizing High Impact Movement

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to be asked to say a few words to celebrate such a remarkable organization that truly lives up to its name: High Impact Movement. Amos and his wife, Carol, along with every mentor and volunteer who selflessly give their own time and energy, are making lasting differences and creating deep impacts in the lives of students and their families. They not only uplift and encourage the youth who come here every day but also strengthen the entire community by shaping the minds of our future leaders and dedicated public servants.

While the team's work is certainly outstanding, this address is about something far greater; it's about why their work matters. It's about highlighting the importance of investing in our youth, taking pride in their potential, and looking ahead to the future they will, in turn, build.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave remarks to the Representatives of the United States International Youth Year Commission. In his speech, he said, ``I believe you all know--or you wouldn't be here--the importance of our youth to the future peace, security, and well-being of our Nation and the world.'' He then goes on to say, ``There's a spark in all of us which, if struck early enough, can light up our lives, elevate our ideals, and deepen our tolerance and strengthen our determination to make this world a better place. You couldn't make a better investment in America's future.''

Investing in Arkansas' future, igniting that spark, starts here. This is why programs like High Impact Movement are so important not only for our young people, but for the future of our great state. As you continue to pour into our youth, you are also investing in the future of our communities, where the impacts will be seen for generations to come. And for that I am deeply grateful.

High Impact Movement is proof that when you invest in others, whether it be through tutoring a student after school, sharing valuable life lessons through mentorship, or just encouraging a young person to be the best that they can be, you'll find that the results have an impact that echoes far into the future.

One of my favorite quotes hangs just above the Speaker's rostrum on the House Floor. Two hundred years ago, Daniel Webster addressed a few hundred Revolutionary War veterans and spectators at the Battle of Bunker Hill was memorial groundbreaking. In his oration, he said, ``Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered. ''

I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the call to action Mr. Webster gave at the end of this portion of his speech. While his audience may have only been a few hundred people on a field in the middle of summer 200 years ago, his audience continues to grow with each generation. As his audience today, in 2025, we are now the ones being tapped to do something worthy to be remembered. With your heart for service and dedication to our community, people like you are undoubtedly taking up that mantle.

I take deep pride in knowing that the future of the 4th District of Arkansas is bright because of the people proudly representing High Impact Movement. People who invest in our youth, pour into their families, and strengthen our communities through their time, compassion, and leadership.

Their dedicated work today leaves an indelible mark on tomorrow, so let me encourage you to press onward as you selflessly dedicate your time to serving your community.

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