[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 88 (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1200-E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE ALL-AMERICAN EAGLES PARTICIPANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate the participants of 
my 2000 All-American Eagles program. When I was a Recreation Supervisor 
with the Chicago Park District in the late 1960's, I started the All-
American Eagles competition. In 1983, 1 was elected to represent the 
people of the (current) Third Congressional District of Illinois, and 
brought the program to Southwest Chicago and its near suburbs. After 
thirty-one successful years, this program is still the cornerstone of 
my efforts to recognize and honor many of our

[[Page E1201]]

district's exemplary seventh and eighth grade students.
  This year's theme was World War I, and consisted of three 
components--an essay and public speaking contest, an artwork 
competition, and a history quiz. Students who participated in the essay 
contest submitted an essay from 250-500 words long about the most 
important person or event in World War I. The top 20 essayists were 
asked to present their work orally to a panel of judges consisting of 
local teachers and elected officials. The top three finishers for each 
event were given a plaque and/or a savings bond, and accumulated points 
for the overall competition. The overall winner received a $500 savings 
bond. The school that sent the most participants received a $250 
savings bond.
  It now gives me great pleasure to announce to my colleagues the 
winners of the 2000 All American Eagles competition. For the essay-
speech contest, Imelda Vionontes from Kinzie delivered an excellent 
essay about the economic and social devastation during World War I, 
earning her a third place finish. Samuel Lin from Southwest Chicago 
Christian School earned a second place prize for his remarks about the 
Treaty of Versailles. Nicole Svajlenka from St. Alexander School 
delivered an outstanding essay about the pilots of the Lafayette 
Escadrille, earning a $100 savings bond and first place.
  I was truly impressed with the artwork submitted for the competition 
this year. I have no doubt that today's youth will make great 
contributions to the tomorrow's culture. Winning the third place prize 
was Ashley Wrobel from St. George School. Joseph Waterlander and Samuel 
Lin from Southwest Chicago Christian School took second and first place 
respectively.
  For the history quiz, I am reminded by the aphorism that states, 
``Anybody can make history--only a great man can write it.'' The 
following are the potentially ``great'' future historians that aced the 
history quiz. Demonstrating a clear interest in world history was Paul 
Wieckiewicz from Our Lady of the Mount School, earning a third place 
finish. In second place was Adam Jures from Lincoln Middle School. 
Finally, Samuel Lin from Southwest Chicago Christian School won his 
second competition and demonstrated a profound interest in the social 
sciences.
  Furthermore, Samuel Lin made important strides towards the funding of 
his college education, winning the 2000 All American Eagle Award. I 
congratulate Samuel for his hard work and deep commitment to his 
continuing education. Today, I charge Samuel to use his ambition and 
academic talent in service to this great nation, as he is a credit to 
his family and community.
  Again, I would like to thank all the participants in this year's 
competition, as well as St. George School for providing the most 
participants. Judging these contests can often be a difficult task. 
However, I had the pleasure of hearing great essays and seeing the 
talent of a new generation of Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge these young Americans to pursue their interests 
to the fullest extent of their abilities and to the betterment of this 
nation.

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