[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE FERNBANK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHESS TEAM: 2002 
                        NATIONAL CHESS CHAMPIONS

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                        HON. CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
exceptional performance of the Fernbank Elementary School Chess Team, 
who on Sunday, April 28, won the U.S. Chess Federation's National 
Championship for grades kindergarten through fifth in Portland, Oregon.
  The Fernbank Chess Team captured the title after successfully 
defending their state title and then defeating nearly 100 teams from 37 
states during national competition.
  I offer special congratulations to Coach Lew Martin and team members 
Jackson Miller, Aluda Saliashvili, Pikria Saliashvili, Quinn 
Shallenberger, Cal Shallenberger, Justin Warren and Brennan Zito.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the tenacity and excellence 
displayed by this team as well as the success of this alternative 
after-school program in stimulating intellectual curiosity and inciting 
a wave of community pride.

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