[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E413-E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PAYING TRIBUTE TO RYAN RANDALL PATTERSON -

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate a young student from my district, Ryan Randall Patterson. 
His hard work and dedication have been rewarded with a great 
opportunity to pursue higher education and compete in one of the 
nation's most esteemed science competitions. Ryan recently won the 2002 
Intel Science Talent Search, and as he celebrates his achievement, I 
would like to commend him for his determination and self-sacrifice in 
achieving this

[[Page E414]]

honor. I've personally met Ryan and words cannot explain how impressed 
I was with this young man and his achievements. He is certainly a well 
deserving recipient of this honor and I am pleased to represent him and 
his family in Colorado.
  Ryan, a student at Central High School in Grand Junction, designed 
and built a glove that translates American Sign Language into text on a 
portable screen. This invention has taken him to the international 
level in Intel's Science Talent Search, a competition that he won both 
this year and last. This incredible invention is just the latest in a 
long list of electronic devices that Ryan has developed over the years. 
Ryan's fascination with electronics began in the third grade on a 
simple circuit board, and he has been exploring new possibilities in 
electronics ever since. His curiosity and determination have certainly 
paid off. At 18 years of age, Ryan has won over $192,000 in 
scholarships, $15,750 in cash, two laptop computers, and two trips to 
Sweden to attend the Nobel Prize ceremonies. Throughout all of his 
achievements, Ryan has maintained his integrity and modesty. He hopes 
to use his gift for electronics and inventing to improve people's 
lives, particularly the lives of the disabled.
  Mr. Speaker, the innovation and commitment demonstrated by Ryan 
Randall Patterson certainly deserves the recognition of this body of 
Congress, and this nation. Ryan's achievements serve as a symbol to 
aspiring science students throughout Colorado, and indeed the entire 
nation. The recognition that Ryan has received is proof that hard work, 
attention to your studies, and a passionate pursuit of your goals can 
lead to great rewards. The opportunities offered as a result of winning 
the 2001 and 2002 Intel Science Talent Search are incredible and they 
certainly are going to a well deserving individual. Congratulations 
Ryan, and good luck in your future endeavors. You are a future leader 
in this country, and I am quite confident that this will not be the 
last honor you receive.

                          ____________________