[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 77 (Monday, June 15, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6344-S6345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE OAK LAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary work of nine fifth graders and their teacher from the Oak 
Lawn Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. On Friday, June 5, 
these students became the first civilians in the 223-year history of 
the U.S. Navy to name a naval ship.
  In February, the Navy challenged America's school children to name 
its newest oceanographic survey vessel. Out of 1,600 submissions, the 
Navy ultimately chose the name proposed by these young Oak Lawn 
students: the USNS Bruce C. Heezen.
  Bruce C. Heezen was a pioneer in oceanographic research. During his 
career, Heezen identified the rift at the center of the Mid-Atlantic 
Ridge, discovered ocean turbidity currents and formulated theories 
about ocean crust formation. He dedicated his life to exploring the 
world's oceans, providing future oceanographers with an invaluable 
knowledge base upon which to build. Heezen died in 1977 while aboard 
the Navy's nuclear research submersible enroute to further study the 
Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
  These fifth graders dedicated tremendous time and energy to this 
project. Not only did they learn about oceanography, but they also 
shared their new knowledge with their fellow students at Oak Lawn 
Elementary. Now, with the naming of this new vessel, the USNS Bruce C. 
Heezen, the work of these outstanding young scholars will enlighten all 
those who look upon this great ship. I commend Amanda Baillargeon, 
James Coogan, Meagan Durigan, Stephen Fish, Patricia Gumbley, John 
Lucier, Sara Piccirilli, Dana Scott, Rebecca Webber. I also want to 
recognize their teacher, Ms. Marilyn Remick, who has been expanding the 
minds of students for 28 years.
  The USNS Bruce C. Heezen is a fine and fitting name for the Navy's 
newest oceanographic survey vessel. Rhode Islanders and all Americans 
should be proud that students like those at Oak Lawn Elementary are 
keeping Heezen's memory alive to inspire future oceanographers. I hope 
the fifth graders of

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Oak Lawn Elementary will inspire others in search for 
knowledge.

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