[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special 
group of young scientists. As Chairman of the House Committee on 
Science, I am an avid supporter of programs that encourage the youth of 
America to push the limits of innovation and originality in science. 
One such program is the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.
  Created in 1999, Discovery Communications, Inc., designed the 
Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge as part of the solution to 
America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The annual 
national contest responds to evidence that academic performance and 
interest in science among American students declines dramatically as 
students become older. This is particularly evident during the middle 
school years.
  For these reasons, the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge 
identifies and honors America's top middle school student who 
demonstrates the best skills in leadership, teamwork, and scientific 
problem solving. More than 6,000 middle school students have entered 
the challenge since its inception in order to compete for the title of 
``America's Top Young Scientist of the Year.'' Since 1999, scholarship 
awards for the students have totaled more than $400,000 and challenge 
winners have participated in science-related trips to far-off places, 
including the Roslin Institute in Midlothian, Scotland, and the El 
Yunque rain forest in Puerto Rico.
  On September 18, 2002, Discovery Communications, Inc., announced the 
40 middle school students who have advanced to the finals of the 
Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. Selected from more than 
1,700 entrants, the ``Final Forty'' represent an elite group of young 
Americans who demonstrated exceptional creativity and communications 
skills in original science research projects. The ``Final Forty'' will 
travel to Washington, DC, October 19-23 where they will compete in 
complex science challenges largely revolving around science and the 
roll it plays in our national security.
  The finalists for the 2002 Discovery Channel Young Scientist 
Challenge are: Brittany Anderson of Texico, New Mexico; Guatam Bej of 
Birmingham, Alabama; Terrance Bunkley of Fort Worth, Texas; Russell 
Burrows of San Antonio, Texas; Trevor Corbin of Richmond, Virginia; 
Kurt Dahlstrom of Hillsboro, North Dakota; Roy Gross of Lansdale, 
Pennsylvania; Kristin Grotecloss of St. Petersburg, Florida; Jennifer 
Gutman of Wheeling, West Virginia; Christine Haas of Clovis, 
California; Alicia Hall of Hoople, North Dakota; David Hart of Lake 
Charles, Louisiana; Stephanie Hicks of San Antonio, Texas; Lorren 
Kezmoh of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Asmita Kumar of Goleta, California; 
Daniel Lang of Yardley, Pennsylvania; Hilana Lewkowitz-Shpuntoff of 
Great Neck; New York; Rayden Llano of Miami, Florida; Michael Mi of 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Jessica Miles of San Antonio, Texas; Daniel 
Miller Jr. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Yahya Mohammed of Niceville, 
Florida; Sarah Mousa of West Grove, Pennsylvania; Noele Norris of 
Miami, Florida; Kels Phelps of Butte, Montana; Adam Quade of New 
Brighton, Minnesota; Sasha Rohret of San Antonio, Texas; Haileigh 
Stainbrook of Sanger, California; Nupur Shridhar of Malvern, 
Pennsylvania; Jared Steed of Deleware, Ohio; Aron Trevino of San 
Antonio, Texas; Kory Vencill of Applegate, Oregon; Kelydra Welcker of 
Parkersburg, West Virginia; Kevin Welsh of Paulina, Louisiana; Nicole 
Wen of San Antonio, Texas; Emily Willis of Heber, Utah; Ashley Woodall 
of Garland, Texas; Dylan Young of Upper Arlington, Ohio.
  At a time when science and technology plays such an enormous role in 
our lives, I believe it is imperative that we continue to support and 
nurture the next generation of young scientists. I would like to 
congratulate these students for their dedication and hard work in the 
name of science and wish them all good luck during the 2002 Discovery 
Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

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