[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1839-E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE POMONA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S FOURTH GRADE CLASS

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I 
recognize the children of Heidi Nadiak's fourth grade class at Pomona 
Elementary School in Grand Junction, Colorado for the outstanding 
contributions they are making toward the advancement of environmental 
science. The Pomona fourth grade was one of ten classes around the 
country to be selected as part of a nationwide study that is using 
razorback suckerfish to monitor the health of the Colorado River.
  The fish are raised by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and are part 
of a public outreach program providing Ms. Nadiak's fourth grade class 
with the opportunity to use scientific methods to conduct real life 
experiments. The fish will be living in an aquarium in the fourth grade 
classroom, and the students will make daily observations by measuring 
pH levels and monitoring the water temperature.
  The Pomona students are studying the fish as part of a larger project 
to assess the current health of the Colorado River. The razorbacks once 
thrived in the Colorado River but became nearly extinct. By studying 
the fish and assisting in the effort to reintroduce them

[[Page E1840]]

into their natural habitat, the Pomona fourth graders are providing a 
huge service to the advancement of environmental science. For several 
years, I have worked in Congress in the Upper Colorado River Endangered 
Fish Recovery Program, which seeks to ensure the recovery of the 
razorback, the pike minnow, and several other species of fish. It is a 
pleasure to see how this effort is being complimented by the efforts of 
Ms. Nadiak's fourth grade class.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize Pomona Elementary's fourth 
grade class before this body of Congress and this nation for the 
contributions they are making toward the preservation of our natural 
habitat. Coloradoans are fully aware that our lands and waters are some 
of our state's most precious resources, and I am grateful that our 
tradition of scientifically supported environmental awareness is being 
passed down to such an intelligent and capable group of kids at Pomona 
Elementary.

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