[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H8800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF ``IT'S ACADEMIC''

  (Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call 
attention to and honor the 45th anniversary of the Nation's leading and 
longest-running educational television program, the Emmy-winning show, 
``It's Academic.''
  ``It's Academic'' is a nationwide, weekly high school competition 
that began in Washington, D.C. Since its inception 45 years ago, ``It's 
Academic'' shows have spread to other cities. During the current school 
year, 27 high schools in my congressional district will compete against 
the brightest students from public and private schools throughout the 
District of Columbia region. These students will be coached and 
encouraged by dedicated teachers and principals on a wide variety of 
academic subjects and the challenges of a competitive format under the 
television lights.
  Every Saturday morning, viewers tune in to watch local high school 
students compete in their knowledge of math, literature, history, and 
current events. In many schools, students compete for the opportunity 
to be on the show. Not only do they enjoy the camaraderie with their 
peers in learning challenging information and developing team skills, 
but they get the added bonus of being on television and performing 
under pressure, something many students on the football team and the 
drama club can simply envy.
  The goals of ``It's Academic'' are more than showcasing intelligent 
students. All the students, including members of the losing teams, 
receive scholarship money from the corporate sponsors, which in my area 
has been primarily Giant Food.
  In a recent editorial, The Washington Post said of the show: ``Amid 
all the disturbing news about declining test scores and failing 
schools, this homegrown Saturday morning staple serves as a welcome 
reminder of what is right with education.''
  Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree and look forward to the 
partnership between ``It's Academic'' and our communities and schools 
for many more years to come.

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