[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF STUDENTS OF HARVARD ELLIS TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the gifted 
students of my district from the Harvard Ellis Technical High School of 
Danielson, Connecticut. On May 15, 2009, the students won awards at the 
6th Annual Plastics Expo held at Quinebaug Valley Community College, 
QVCC, in Danielson, Connecticut. The expo paired teams of students from 
six area high schools with representatives from local plastics 
companies. This is the second time that Ellis THS has entered the 
competition. Over six months, they worked with their company team of 
WEB Industries Hartford, Inc., manufacturer of film products, to 
design, create, test, and market a product using the company's 
technology.
  They won for their product, the ``Eagle Air,'' a filter screen that 
uses three layers of plastic screening to filter out the smallest 
particles of pollen in the air. The device is translucent and can be 
adjusted to fit any window. Their presentation included a PowerPoint, 
prototype models, a video commercial, and a detailed book describing 
their process.
  The students won both the ``People's Choice Award'' and the ``Judges' 
Award.'' The People's Choice Award was determined by the vote of the 
audience and the Judges' Award was determined by a team of three judges 
chosen for their expertise in engineering, design, and marketing. Team 
members included Andrew Conkey, Abigail Corcoran, Victoria LaMonda, 
Sara Rondeau, Cameron Fisher, Elana Shong, Holley DeParasis, Nicole 
Carlson, and Justin Fortier. The group leaders were Kathy Burr and 
Laura Burke. The team MVP was Nicole Carlson. The Department of 
Commerce, Quinebaug Valley Plastics Institute, and the QVCC College 
Career Pathways Program supported the event to promote workforce 
development.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud and pleased to honor these nine students 
and their team leaders for their innovative creation, sound business 
practices, and teamwork. These students have a bright future and signal 
that eastern Connecticut is a place for research, technology, and 
product development. I also commend the efforts of the sponsors of the 
Annual Plastics Expo in building partnerships between students and 
local businesses, and in promoting excellence in trade and technology. 
I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing 
these contributions.

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