[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF SEYI FAYANJU'S VICTORY IN THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY BEE

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                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a very worldly 
young man. One of my constituents, Seyi Fayanju of Verona, recently won 
the National Geography Bee.
  Since the age of 4, Seyi has been attracted to geography. His 
knowledge of our world spans the globe, from the new republics in the 
East to the obscure islands of the Pacific and the Atlantic. This 
remarkable youth has not only accumulated a broad wealth of 
geographical facts, but he continues to expand his awareness with a 
zeal that is truly admirable.
  Seyi has been recognized by his teachers at the Henry B. Whitehorne 
Middle School as one of the most gifted and well-rounded pupils they 
have ever taught. His talent for geography comes naturally. He 
continually impresses his teachers and peers with his ability to rattle 
off the capitals of far off places and identify the most remote 
mountain ranges and bodies of water.
  This intense level of geographical understanding enabled Seyi to 
succeed at the State level and then go on to represent New Jersey in 
the national competition. The questions for the geography bee were 
prepared by the National Geographic Society. Seyi received a rare and 
perfect score in the finals to become the winner of the national 
contest.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Geographic Society began this competition 
back in 1989 in response to the public's frustration with the lack of 
geographical knowledge of our youth. Seyi Fayanju has answered the 
challenge of the public and we are proud of his achievements. I commend 
this exceptional student on his academic feat and hope that his 
accomplishment will spark the desire of other students, nation-wide, to 
take interest in the unique and wondrous places our great world has to 
offer.

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