[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 114 (Friday, July 11, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IDAHO STUDENTS WIN FUEL CELL CAR COMPETITION

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, on June 20, five Treasure Valley 
Math and Science Center, TVMSC, students won first place overall in the 
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Car Challenge, an alternative energy model 
competition held in conjunction with National Science Bowl. The team, 
consisting of Alex Baca, Andrew Hoth, Kevin Brown and Eddie Smith, and 
alternate Paul Schroeder, also took fifth place honors in the National 
Science Bowl. The competition challenged students to design, build and 
race fuel cell model cars. The three components on which students were 
judged were the design document, a presentation of the use of hydrogen 
in transportation, and the race itself. The team was coached by Mark 
Anderson, physics teacher at TVMSC, Tony Baca of Hewlett Packard, and 
Barbara Jorden, legislative director for the Idaho Trial Lawyers 
Association. The team qualified for Nationals after sweeping the 
regional competition with eight trophies, four of which were for first 
place.
  Alex, Kevin, Andrew, Paul and Eddie are all highly accomplished 
students, even as seventh and eighth-graders. Their interests range 
from the science disciplines of geography, earth science, chemistry, 
math, biology and computer science to liberal arts disciplines such as 
history and English. Their hobbies range from reading, painting, 
playing music and video and board games to drama, making scale models 
and playing air soft. The boys also participate in sports including 
football, soccer and tennis. The breadth of their interests and 
involvement will prepare them well for success in high school, college 
and the future careers of their choosing.
  The Department of Energy, DOE, created the National Science Bowl 
competition in 1991 to help promote math and science education in high 
school and highlight the successes of students who excel in these 
fields. In 2002, DOE expanded the competition to middle school 
students.
  Idaho can be proud of these exemplary students and their coaches for 
outstanding performance in the National Science Bowl and Hydrogen Fuel 
Cell Model Car Challenge. Idaho's strong heritage of math, science and 
engineering continues in our young people, keeping our State's student 
academic standards high and helping prepare Idaho youth for rewarding 
careers in these fields.

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