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“TO COMMEND THE HURLEY ELEMENTARY SCIENCE BOWL TEAM FOR REACHING THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E764 on May 10, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TO COMMEND THE HURLEY ELEMENTARY SCIENCE BOWL TEAM FOR REACHING THE
NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL
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HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alfredo Guzman, Ulises Trejo, Vanessa Campos and Alondra Arciga of Hurley Elementary School, and their coaches Ms. Jazmine Smith-Falicetti, Ms. Roxana Del Real, and Ms. Shellie Affolter for earning the opportunity to compete in the 2012 National Science Bowl.
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with these outstanding students and congratulate them and their teachers on their success. They clearly represent our country's bright future. Their confidence, intellect, and respectfulness will take them far, and I encouraged them to pursue studies in science, engineering, and math.
The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that tests students' knowledge of mathematics and science. This competition was launched by the Department of Energy as a new way to encourage students' interest in math and science career opportunities. During the bowl, competitors participate in a fast paced question-and-answer quiz, as well as attend science seminars and workshops. Middle school teams also compete in the Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Model Car Challenge. This challenge stimulates creativity and fosters engineering skills as students compete to design, build, and race model cars.
Since the beginning of January, regional tournaments have been held across the country narrowing the competition to the best and the brightest in the nation. Hurley Elementary was the only school from the Midway Network of the Chicago Public School system that qualified to compete in the Chicago Regional Science Bowl. Likewise, the national competition was extremely tough this year as only 44 middle school teams earned the opportunity to compete in the final rounds in Washington, D.C.
As a team of sixth graders competing against students up to two years older, it has been an amazing accomplishment for Hurley to make it to the national competition. Although they did not bring home any awards this year, I am proud that they advanced as far as they did. Their hard work coupled with natural talent will take them far in life. I commend Ms. Smith-Falicetti, Ms. Del Real, and Ms. Affolter, for motivating these excellent young minds as well. Their leadership and guidance has been an invaluable asset to this team. I am proud of these bright students and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.
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