[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3737-S3738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
students and coach of the Highland High School Academic Decathlon Team. 
This team, comprising of 15 New Mexico students, is the New Mexico 
representative to the 1996 National Academic Decathlon competition in 
Atlanta, GA.
  The academic decathlon is a unique program that encourages 
academically well rounded students to compete in a variety of events. 
The decathlon encourages students to develop a greater respect for 
knowledge, promotes wholesome competition in academic areas of study 
and interest, stimulates intellectual growth and achievement, and 
encourages public interest and awareness of outstanding programs in our 
schools. This valuable program challenges students to strive for goals 
and to work hard academically.
  Mr. President, these 15 students and their coach have worked 
extremely hard since early fall to prepare themselves for this event. 
Through their hard work and their extensive efforts, they have been 
able to overcome obstacles and achieve very high goals. Too often, Mr. 
President, we reward students for their athletic prowess instead of 
their academic abilities. Today, I

[[Page S3738]]

want to highlight the achievements of these students. Our students can 
be champions in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.
  Mr. President, for their outstanding accomplishments, and their 
sincere commitment to academics, I commend the members of the Highland 
High School Decathlon team. I believe that I speak for all New Mexicans 
when I wish them the best of luck and congratulate them on their 
success.

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