[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WHITNEY YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Whitney Young High 
School of Chicago for its triumphant achievement on winning the first 
place title in the Illinois Academic Decathlon competition on March 13, 
2004.
  The Academic Decathlon is a team competition wherein students are 
tested through a diverse group of scholastic categories including: art, 
economics, essay interview, language and literature, mathematics, music 
science, social science and speech.
  With up to nine members from each team competing in all ten events of 
the decathlon and representing a diversity of scholastic aptitude, the 
true spirit of this year's ``America. The Growth of a Nation'' theme 
has been advanced.
  The decathlon, which was first created by Dr. Robert Peterson, has 
helped maximize the learning potential of young minds through 
competitive challenge. Whitney Young has repeatedly demonstrated its 
ability to shine among the best and brightest of Chicago's academic 
community.
  As winners of the Illinois Academic Decathlon, Whitney Young High 
School will go on to represent our city and state in the national meet 
in Boise, Idaho. Nine of its students will compete in one of the most 
prestigious high school academic competitions in the United States.
  I salute each of our Whitney Young High School Academic Decathlon 
Winners: Rachel Birkhahn-Romelfanger, Nailah Cash-Obannon, Clare 
Conroy, Christina Doocy, Sarah Duffy, Ikee Gardner, Lally Gartel, Deana 
Rutherford, Eleanor Sharp and Margaret Sharp.
  Reaching this level of competition is a tremendous achievement and 
one that deserves special recognition. Indeed, Whitney Young students 
set the standard for scholastic excellence that the Academic Decathlon 
seeks to attain.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with all residents of the Fifth Congressional 
District of Illinois in congratulating Whitney Young High School on its 
achievement. I wish the Academic Decathlon winners the best of luck at 
the national competition in Idaho as well as continued success as their 
education continues. I am very proud of these young and future leaders 
of tomorrow.

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