[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 97 (Thursday, July 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ODYSSEY OF THE MIND WORLD FINALS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, today, I come before you to recognize a few 
very special and talented young people from my district. On Wednesday 
June 6, the opening ceremonies for the Odyssey of the Mind world finals 
were held at the University of Maryland. This competition challenges 
the intelligence, creativity, and team work of those participating. 
Competitors came from all over the world to be a part of this wonderful 
event.
  Among those who placed were 13 young men and women from the 48th 
Congressional District of California. Palmquist Elementary School in 
Oceanside and Aliso Viejo Middle School in Aliso Viejo won top honors. 
Both schools won first place in the Odyssey of the Mind State 
competition and earned their way to the world competition this summer.
  It is refreshing to see programs like Odyssey of the Mind, that 
challenge the young people of this country to get involved. These men 
and women hold the key to the future of America. It is encouraging to 
see their young minds at work, bettering themselves and this country 
with each new challenge they take on.
  I congratulate each of these young people for their accomplishment. 
With that in mind, I would like to close with the Odyssey of the Mind's 
pledge: ``Let me be a seeker of knowledge, let me travel uncharted 
paths, and let me use my creativity to make the world a better place in 
which to live.'' This is a motto we could all live by.

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