[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING ERIC YANG, WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eric Yang, 
who won first place in the 2009 National Geographic Bee.
  I had the pleasure of finding out that Eric had advanced to the final 
round of the National Geographic Bee, and I was ecstatic to hear that 
he won. Eric, who is a 7th grader from The Colony, Texas, captured the 
1st place title in the tie-breaker round. Eric did not miss a single 
question during the entire final round, in a competition that National 
Geographic reported as their most difficult competition to date. Eric 
is now the proud recipient of a $25,000 scholarship, a trip to the 
Galapagos Islands, and bragging rights for life.
  More than just a geography buff, Eric demonstrates his giftedness in 
several other aspects of his life. An avid pianist, Eric placed first 
in the Dallas Jazz competition three years in a row. He also conquers 
in chess, reads anything he can get his hands on, and has an insatiable 
curiosity. I am encouraged by the inquisitiveness we see in this 
talented young man. Young people like Eric are the guiding lights we 
will look upon in the future to better our society.
  I am proud to recognize Eric Yang for his great accomplishment. It is 
a distinct privilege to represent Mr. Yang in the 26th District of 
Texas, and I wish him the very best for a bright future.

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