[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     HANDS-OFF TELEPHONE BAND TEAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize an 
exceptional group of students with disabilities in southern California 
from Hesperia Junior High School. Kattie Greene, Emilee Landon, David 
Perez, and Eric Coldwell have achieved outstanding success in science 
and problem solving.
  These students formed the Hands-Off Telephone Band Team. Together, 
they developed an apparatus that allows a cellular telephone to be 
mounted to a wrist or arm--creating an effective and simple assistive 
technology device that enables some individuals with disabilities to 
independently use a cellular phone.
  The Hands-Off Telephone Band Team's ingenious creation was chosen as 
one of eight projects from nationwide to be judged by the renowned 
Christopher Columbus Foundation, which, along with the National Science 
Foundation, strive to improve America's middle school students' 
literacy in mathematics and science. Despite facing formidable 
competition, the Hands-Off Telephone Band Team's project was deservedly 
selected as the Gold Medal Award Winning Team. Kattie, Emilee, David, 
and Eric's commitment to excellence, coupled with their mastery of the 
scientific process, enabled them to return to Hesperia Junior High 
School as heroes of the community.
  I commend these students not only for their success in this 
prestigious competition but also because they are the first team 
comprised of students with disabilities to win this national 
competition. Each of these incredible young people utilized their 
abilities and coordinated their efforts to succeed. Eighth grade 
instructor Barbara Jacobs deserves commendation on her successful 
mentorship of these young students.
  I applaud the dedication of the Hands-Off Telephone Band Team from 
Hesperia Junior High School. Their success has provided an example of 
determination to us all.

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