[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ABISHEK JAIN

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Abishek Jain, a student at Falls Church High School in Falls Church, VA 
and recipient of this year's In Hope Freedom Rings Foundation 
Scholarship.
  AJ has earned a reputation as a mindful and mature leader in his 
community. He is president of the Falls Church High School Science 
Club, which he founded in the 10th grade, and through which he founded, 
planned, and operated the school's first successful school recycling 
program. Today this program is staffed by 30 volunteers and has 200 
collection locations.
  He is a devoted scholar. His current overall grade point average is 
3.86 and this semester he is enrolled in four Advanced Placement 
courses. He further contributes to the intellectual life of his school 
as President of the National Math Honor Society and Treasurer of the 
National Spanish Honor Society. In furthering his studies as an 
undergraduate AJ plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
  AJ's studies are balanced by his athletic and artistic endeavors. He 
is a member of the Varsity Tennis and Indoor Track Teams and is a 
former member of the Varsity Swim and Dive Team and Junior Varsity Golf 
Team. In addition, he has a genuine passion for the violin, which he 
has played for the past nine years. In this capacity he is a member and 
former vice-president of the Chamber Orchestra.
  AJ still finds time to volunteer in the community beyond his school. 
He has spent many hours over the past four years working at the 
Bailey's Crossroads' Homeless Shelter where he is a coordinator charged 
with gathering food and volunteers to feed the area's homeless.
  His school counselor notes, ``What impresses me most about AJ is how 
grounded he is. He pushes himself to achieve, yet is also aware of his 
limitations. Since elementary school he has been involved with a 
cultural organization, the Chinmaya Mission. It is here where AJ has 
developed a spiritual sense and wisdom beyond his years.''
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending AJ for 
setting such a strong example in his community.

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