[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING HEATHER KNUDSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 
outstanding achievement of Heather Knudson on winning the National 
Associated Christian Schools International (ACSI) Spelling Bee.
  Heather placed second in the regional ACSI Spelling Bee, which took 
place February 24, in Dallas Texas. Heather then went on to win first 
place in the National Spelling Bee on May 12, 2007 in Washington, D.C. 
The contest brought in 46 of the top spellers from around the country, 
which was narrowed down from 15,000 participants.
  By correctly spelling the word, ``syzygy'' which means, an alignment 
of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon 
or a planet, Heather won a laptop computer, a $200 saving bond and the 
distinct honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  Heather is an outstanding and bright young woman. She has recently 
completed the eighth grade at Life Christian Academy in Kansas City. 
Extremely dedicated, she studied approximately 2,500 words in 
preparation for the contest. She was able to remember her winning word, 
which she studied years ago, because it is such an unusual word.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the achievement 
of Heather Knudson on winning first place in the National Associated 
Christian Schools International Spelling Bee. It is an honor to 
represent her in the United States Congress.

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