[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2006 U.S. PHYSICS OLYMPIAD TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
the members of the 2006 United States Physics Olympiad Team. These 24 
individuals have shown tremendous aptitude in physics and leadership 
amongst their peers.
  It is very challenging to earn a spot on this prestigious team. After 
being nominated by their high school teachers and taking a preliminary 
exam, 200 students qualified to take the second and final screening 
exam for the U.S. Physics Team. The 24 survivors of that group 
represent the top physics students in the U.S., and they are now at a 
nine-day training camp of intense study, examination and problem 
solving. Five of these exceptional students will advance and represent 
the United States in a tremendous international competition in July at 
the International Physics Olympiad in Singapore.
  Members of the 2006 team include: Sophie Cai, ZeNan Chang, David 
Chen, Otis Chodosh, Kenan Diab, Jiashuo Feng, Yingyu Gao, Sherry Gong, 
Timothy Hsieh, Rui Hu, Ariella Kirsch, Jason LaRue, Men Young Lee, 
David Lo, Benjamin Michel, Hetul Patel, Veronica Pillar, Nimish 
Ramanlal, Ingmar Saberi, William Throwe, Arnav Tripathy, Henry Tung, 
Philip Tynan and Haofei Wei.
  Mr. Speaker, as a nuclear physicist and former physics professor, I 
have worked to promote math and science education and to recognize the 
pivotal role these fields play in our nation's economic competitiveness 
and national security. Educating our K-12 students in math and science 
is very important. It is encouraging to see so many young, outstanding 
physics students enthusiastic about science, and I note that many of 
them chose to pursue science as a result of a teacher or family member 
who encouraged them along the way. Making sure our teachers are well-
equipped to teach science and math is very important in fostering the 
interest of future generations in these subjects.
  I hope the composite enthusiasm of these students and the other 
semifinalists will allow them to consider future careers in science, 
technology, engineering and math. Furthermore, I hope some of them 
consider running for public office and add their expertise to the 
policy world! I am very thankful for these future leaders and ask that 
you please join me in congratulating them on their wonderful 
achievements and wishing the top five the best of luck as they 
represent the United States in Singapore.




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