[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF MATHEMATICS AND 
                                SCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright 
young students of the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science team, 
one of five finalists in the Junior Engineering Technical Society/
AbilityOne National Engineering Design Challenge. The team, coached by 
Scott Grant, consists of students participating in a two-year program 
through the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.
  At the final competition, which took place in Washington, DC on 
February 15 and 16, 2008, the five finalist teams were allowed to 
present their refined prototypes. The Texas Academy of Mathematics and 
Science team's invention was the ``Ergonomic Spool Assembly System,'' 
or eSAS, which is a table that combines adjustable height and incline 
to allow workers in wheelchairs to manufacture spools easily.
  The eSAS was one of two second place finishers and received the award 
for ``Outstanding Assistive Technology Design.'' Second place finishers 
won $1,500 to go towards their school's sponsoring departments. The 
team received two other awards for the eSAS, ``Best Presentation'' and 
``Best Application of Rehabilitation Engineering Design Principles.''
  The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science team was one of 250 
teams who initially entered the competition in September of 2007. The 
annual competition offers high school students an opportunity to 
improve the lives of people with severe disabilities through assistive 
technology.
  The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science is an early-admission 
program that provides an accelerated education for bright, motivated 
Texas high school students who have demonstrated an interest in 
pursuing careers in mathematics and science. Students in this two-year 
program complete a rigorous academic curriculum of college coursework 
at the University of North Texas.
  Madam Speaker, I believe these students should be recognized not only 
for being participants in this prestigious program, but also for their 
outstanding accomplishments in the Junior Engineering Technical 
Society/AbilityOne National Engineering Design Challenge. I am proud to 
represent these talented and accomplished young men and women in the 
26th District of Texas, and I look forward to the positive impact these 
students will have on the North Texas community.

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