[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL 45

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, on July 7, 1998 while the House was in 
recess, I had the privilege of receiving, in my district office, a 
group of thirteen students from Middle School 45 who won first place in 
the K-8th grade category in the National Chess Tournament held in 
Phoenix, Arizona from April 30 to May 2. I am submitting for the Record 
some remarks I made during their visit.

       It gives me great pleasure to be with such a wonderful 
     group of gifted and talented South Bronx students from Middle 
     School 45.
       Oscar Bedoya, Ariel Uriarte, Bianey Morillo, Rafael Ortiz, 
     Eliexer De Jesus, Joel Nolasco, Juan De Jesus, Jorge Perez, 
     Trung Nguyen, Sarun Sin, Trung Bui, Granit Gjonbalaj and 
     Reasy Suon, under the leadership of coach Felix Lopez, you 
     won first place in the K-8th grade category among 62 teams 
     who participated in the National Chess Tournament held in 
     Phoenix, Arizona from April 30 to May 2.
       You have demonstrated an outstanding skill, for which you 
     have become role models in our community. We are proud of 
     your accomplishments and I hope that you will continue 
     succeeding in chess and also in academics. I also encourage 
     you to take full advantage of the possible opportunity that 
     some universities offer to chess champions to earn 
     scholarships for their higher education. You are terrific 
     examples for future chess players.
       I would like to applaud teachers Cesar Solis and Georgina 
     Pierre for being with us today but, more important, for their 
     tireless work in helping these students reach their 
     potential.
       I also would like to commend the National Scholastic Chess 
     Foundation for sponsoring the chess program at Middle School 
     45, which includes weekly chess classes for 500 students. 
     Their teaching and support were invaluable for what you have 
     achieved.
       I have the privilege of representing the 16th district of 
     New York where Middle School 45 is located, and I am 
     delighted by your chess team's success.
       All of us here congratulate Middle School 45, the 
     administration and faculty, and you, the students whose 
     ambition and hard work will make this great institution a 
     tremendous source of price and success for years to come.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Middle School 45, to the administration and faculty, and to the 
students whose ambition and hard work will make this great institution 
a tremendous source of pride and success for years to come.

                          ____________________