[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2007 U.S. PHYSICS OLYMPIAD TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
the members of the 2007 United States Physics Olympiad Team.
  It is very challenging to earn a spot on this prestigious team. After 
taking a preliminary exam, 200 high school 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 ten-day training camp of intense study, 
examination and problem solving hosted by the University of Maryland. 
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 Isfahan, Iran.
  The 24 members of the 2007 team include: Erik Anson, Sophie Cai, 
Tucker Chan, Joseph Chu, Benjamin Connell, Kenan Diab, Nicholas Dou, 
YingYu Gao, Kenneth Hu, Rui Hu, Sunny Kam, Jenny Kwan, Jason LaRue, 
Allen Lin, Andy Lucas, Sarah Marzen, Kynan Rilee, Aleksandra 
Stankiewicz, Philip Streich, Arvind Thiagarajan, Philip Tynan, Haofei 
Wei, James Yang, and Danny Zhu.
  I commend the American Institute of Physics and the American 
Association of Physics Teachers for organizing this annual event and 
fostering a passion for science in these students. I know that for 
every finalist represented here, there are numerous colleagues and 
parents who have provided tireless support to help them reach this 
point. As a former physics professor, I also am well-aware that this 
level of achievement is usually backed by a host of exceptional 
teachers dedicated to their profession and to educating individual 
students. I hope each of the Olympiad finalists will make a point of 
thanking and recognizing the teachers that have guided them over the 
years.
  Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) practitioners are 
very important to our national competitiveness. I imagine that many of 
these students will become leaders in the science and engineering 
community in the future. While they represent the pinnacle of physics 
achievement in high school, I believe Congress must work to improve the 
opportunities in STEM education for all students, even those who may 
not choose scientifically-based careers. 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 because every job 
will soon require a basic understanding of math and science.
  I am very pleased that these students take time away from their 
purely scientific endeavors to meet with their legislators in 
Washington. I believe it is very important for scientists to engage 
with politicians regarding the impact that science and technology can 
have on issues such as national security, climate change, and 
healthcare. Furthermore, I hope some of these students will 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. We wish 
the top 5 the best of success as they represent the United States in 
Iran.

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