[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2070-E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE 2006 KENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROBOTIACS TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm 
that I take this time to recognize the 2006 Kenwood Elementary School 
Robotiacs. The team, which competes as part of the FIRST LEGO League 
(FLL), recently finished in first place for robot design and second 
place overall at the local competition held in Hammond, Indiana on 
November 11, 2006. With their success, the Robotiacs have advanced to 
the State competition, which will be held at Indiana University--Purdue 
University in Fort Wayne, IN on December 9, 2006.
  The FLL is the result of an alliance between For Inspiration and 
Recognition of Science and Technology, FIRST, and the LEGO Company. The 
purpose of the FLL is to allow students to be creative and, with the 
assistance of mentors, solve real-world engineering challenges, develop 
important life skills, and learn to make positive contributions to 
society.
  Kenwood Elementary School has been no stranger to success in this 
competition. This is the 4th consecutive year they have won first place 
awards at the regional level, which includes awards for research and 
robot design,

[[Page E2071]]

as well as an overall championship. They advanced each of these years 
to compete at the State level, each time competing against more than 45 
other teams. One of these State competitions resulted in the team being 
honored with the distinguished Judge's Award.
  The 2006 Robotiacs team consists of: Lena Colon, R.J. Groszewski, and 
Antonio Rosa, all sixth grade students, and two new members, third 
grade student Christopher Tucker and fifth grade student Connor 
Westerfield. With this year's theme being centered on nanotechnology, 
the team was given the task of creating a way to use existing 
technologies or to create a new product utilizing nanostructures. The 
result of their research and innovation was a quite impressive roofing 
system, which produces hydrogen that is compressed, stored, and used in 
the future by a fuel cell found in a home, thus eliminating the need 
for dependence on natural gas, oil, and coal. This, which the team is 
quick to point out, is very different than a solar panel that uses the 
sun's energy to produce electricity.
  The Robotiacs are coached by Mrs. Alicia Madeka, a third grade 
teacher at Kenwood Elementary School. Mrs. Madeka, who has coached the 
team for the past 4 years, is a shining example of what it means to be 
a teacher. She is dedicated to educating tomorrow's leaders, and she 
encourages these students to realize that through hard work and self-
sacrifice, they can make a significant contribution to the future.
  Mrs. Madeka and these amazing students are truly an inspiration to 
their school and the community. The Robotiacs' commitment to furthering 
their knowledge in math, science, and technology, and then using this 
knowledge in ways that can benefit society is truly remarkable. The 
tireless efforts of all involved in such endeavors are a source of 
pride for the community and the First Congressional District.
  I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to offer a word of 
praise to all of the faculty, administrators, and supporters who play a 
special role in enriching these young lives with the desire to learn 
and succeed. Finally, special recognition is due for the parents and 
guardians of these gifted students. It is clear that these individuals 
have been raised in an environment where character and work ethic are 
instilled at an early age, and for that, they are to be commended.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the Kenwood 
Robotiacs, Mrs. Alicia Madeka, and Principal Mary Beth Nickolaou on 
their success, and I wish them continued success as they go on to 
participate in the State competition this weekend. These gifted young 
students possess the work ethic and dedication that will make them 
successful leaders and contributing members of society throughout their 
lives. I hope that the rest of my colleagues will join with me in 
applauding the Kenwood Robotiacs for their commendable efforts.

                          ____________________