[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 54 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SCHURZ HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Schurz High School 
of Chicago for its achievement on winning the fourth place title in the 
citywide Academic Decathlon and the fifth place position at 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 10 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. Schurz High School has shown its ability to 
shine among the best and brightest of Chicago's academic community.
  As finalists in the citywide Academic Decathlon, the nine students 
from Schurz High School went on to compete in the Illinois Academic 
Decathlon. I commend each of its competitors: Gloria Andujar-Garcia, 
Dalia Galvan, Laura Neamt, Yazmin Pulido, Arthur Lon, Ana Ponce, Edith 
Vazquez, Valerie Giraldez and Stephanie Losik.
  Reaching this level of competition is a tremendous achievement and 
one that deserves special recognition. Indeed, Schurz 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 Schurz High School on its 
achievement. I wish the Academic Decathlon competitors continued 
success as their education continues. I am very proud of these young 
and future leaders of tomorrow, and it is my privilege to represent 
them in the United States Congress.

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