[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 31 (Monday, February 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. REAGAN LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 23, 2009

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reagan Lee on 
his impressive first place finish at the 81st annual National FFA 
Convention, where he won the Botany Division. Reagan lives in Winter 
Haven and is currently a student in the International Baccalaureate 
program at Bartow High School.
  Reagan's research project focused on the extent of potassium's role 
in plant nutrition. By measuring transpiration rates and sodium-ion 
concentration in plants, he found that sodium can actually be 
substituted for potassium in regulating plant transpiration.
  Drawn to the issue because of Florida's nutrient-deficient soil, 
Reagan hopes his research will have meaningful and practical 
applications for Florida agriculture. Reagan's research and initiative 
exemplifies how hard work and creativity can reap personal and public 
benefits.
  It also demonstrates the great opportunities and experience that 
programs like FFA provide for our young people. FFA is an important 
tool for teaching our children about agriculture and giving them an 
opportunity to challenge each other to come up with innovative 
solutions that could have a positive impact on the public. As a former 
participant in the Florida 4-H program and a member of the FFA, I truly 
understand and appreciate the importance of these programs, as well as 
how difficult these competitions are to win.
  I applaud Reagan for this significant achievement, and invite my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in wishing him 
the best of luck in his future endeavors.

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