[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 2008 U.S. PHYSICS OLYMPIAD TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
the members of the 2008 United States Physics Olympiad Team.
  The International Physics Olympiad brings together top students from 
all over the world to compete in a rigorous routine of mental 
gymnastics. To be considered for the U.S. team, students must first 
take a challenging physics exam. I am proud to say that the top 200 
semifinalists included 3 students from Michigan this year. This 
exceptional group is further reduced to 24 students currently 
participating in a 10-day physics camp hosted by the University of 
Maryland.
  As you might expect, this is not your ordinary summer camp but rather 
an intense boot-camp of teamwork, sharpening mental and communication 
skills. Five of these exceptional students will advance and represent 
the United States in a tremendous international competition in July in 
the 67th International Physics Olympiad July 20-29 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
  The 24 members of the 2008 team include: Kiranmayi Bhattaram, Tucker 
Chan, Sway Chen, Joseph, Zer-Yi Chu, Alesia Dechkovskaia, Yishun Dong, 
David Field, Edward Gan, Rui Hu, Gabriel Karpman, Brian Kong, Kevin 
Michael Lang, Dan Li, Andrew Lucas, Marianna Mao, Yoon Jae Nam, Anand 
Natarajan, Joshua Oreman, Thomas Schultz, Jack Z. Wang, James Yang, 
Alex Zhai, Danny Zhu, and Alex Zorn.
  I commend the American Institute of Physics, the American Association 
of Physics Teachers and affiliated sponsors for organizing this annual 
event and fostering a passion for science in these students. 
Integrating science with real-world problems is critical to our 
national competitiveness. These students will become even more excited 
about applying physics to national and international challenges after 
they participate in the Olympiad preparation.
  I know my colleagues share my pride in the achievements of these 
students. Their success is a testament to not only their individual 
determination, but also a group of exceptional teachers. These teachers 
often receive very little recognition for their work, so I hope each of 
the Olympiad finalists will make a point of thanking and recognizing 
the teachers that have guided them over the years.
  I am very pleased that these students take time away from their 
purely scientific endeavors to meet with their legislators in 
Washington. Understanding how science fits into culture and politics 
are very important skills for a future physicist to master. I also hope 
that 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 five the best of 
success as they represent the United States in Vietnam.

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