[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H53-H55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 862) congratulating the staff, students, and
faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning the
2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction Competition, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 862
Whereas the United States House of Representatives has
repeatedly recognized in passed legislation the importance of
science, technology, engineering, and math education at all
levels as a necessary part of strengthening the future of
scientific research in the United States;
Whereas the Intel Corporation holds an annual ``Intel
Schools of Distinction'' competition in which schools compete
for grants by demonstrating an environment and curricula that
demonstrates 21st century teaching and learning, with a focus
on mathematics and science;
Whereas the annual Intel School of Distinction awards
recognize United States schools that implement innovative
math and science programs and serve as role models for other
schools;
Whereas each year, only one school across the country is
selected through this competition as the ``Star Innovator''
among the 18 finalists receiving the Intel Schools of
Distinction honor;
Whereas, on September 15, 2009, the Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy, a State-supported boarding school
serving 650 of Illinois' top high school mathematics
students, was selected as the 2009 Star Innovator in the
Intel Schools of Distinction competition;
Whereas Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy alum are
currently working at the head of their fields in such diverse
industries as aerospace engineering, biotechnology, forensic
science, and academic institutions across the globe;
Whereas Leon Lederman, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in
Physics in 1988, worked to create the Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy as a school that could not only provide
children with an invaluable education in science and
mathematics, but also to train thousands of Illinois teachers
in the art of teaching those skills; and
Whereas the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has
clearly demonstrated a continued dedication to offering the
kind of education necessary to create future generations of
scientists in the United States, and thus secure the future
of scientific research in the United States: Now, therefore,
be it
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Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) congratulates the staff, students, and faculty at the
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy on this award and
wish them well in all their future endeavors; and be it
further; and
(2) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
make available enrolled copies of this resolution to the
Illinois Math and Science Academy for appropriate display.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Kildee) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
General Leave
Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days in which
Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous
material into the Record on H. Res. 862.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Foster) for such time as he may consume.
Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I am here on the floor today to speak in
support of H. Res. 862 honoring the Illinois Math and Science Academy
for its receipt of the Intel Corporation's Star Innovator Award. The
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a school of outstanding
academic quality in my district, but I am also speaking in support of
bringing the attention of this body to the importance of education in
science, mathematics, and other quantitative fields.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy was first proposed by
Leon Lederman, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1988 as a
way of ensuring that top flight and motivated Illinois children receive
an invaluable education in science and mathematics, and also to train
thousands of Illinois teachers in the art of teaching those skills.
Under the guidance of Stephanie Pace Marshall, this institution
blossomed into an institution that has graduated many famous and
accomplished graduates, including the inventor of the original Web
browser, Mosaic, the founder of YouTube, and dozens of surgeons,
teachers, fighter pilots, scientists, and, yes, even financial services
experts. We employ an IMSA graduate in our congressional office today.
The award that this school received last September, Intel
Corporation's Star Innovator award, has its own rich history of
promoting science in the United States. The progenitor of this award
was first given out in 1942, then referred to as the Westinghouse
Science Talent Search. This award was given out under this name for
over 50 years and was highly recognized as the highest scientific honor
that any high school student could receive.
A decade ago, this program was taken over by Intel, the company that
invented the microprocessor and a company that recognizes the crucial
importance of math and science education to the economic future of our
country. The name of the award and its primary sponsor may have
changed, but the award itself and the high academic honor associated
with it continue to this day.
Under Intel's guidance, the program now includes awards honoring not
only students and teachers, but innovative institutions specializing in
math and science education as well. As a scientist myself, I see the
need for recognizing and congratulating scientific achievement at all
ages. We need not just this award, not just corporate sponsorships, not
just economic awards, but also a new cultural appreciation for the
value of individuals with extensive quantitative skills in math,
science, and engineering, and other technical disciplines.
But I also have a special reason to be proud of this award. As it
turns out, my daughter is one of the many proud alums who call IMSA
their alma mater. My daughter recently graduated from Stanford, and I
am happy to report that she is now gainfully employed doing work she
enjoys, certainly one of the key milestones in any parent's lifetime.
While the Illinois Math and Science Academy lies in the Illinois 14th
Congressional District that I represent, I am proud to be joined in
this congratulation by the entire Illinois delegation. And in
particular, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs.
Biggert), IMSA's neighbor to the east, who has always been a strong
supporter of math and science education, as well as the Illinois Math
and Science Academy.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 862 congratulating
the staff, students, and faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy for winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel
Schools of Distinction competition.
Math and science education at all levels is a necessary part of
strengthening the future of scientific research in the United States.
As a result of the changing nature of the global economy, American
economic competitiveness is now at the forefront. Emphasizing math and
science education will ensure a competitive 21st century workforce.
Madam Speaker, I would now like to yield such time as she may consume
to the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).
Mrs. BIGGERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 862, which
congratulates the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, commonly
known as IMSA, which is located in Aurora, Illinois, for winning the
2009 Star Innovator award. And I would like to commend the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Foster) for offering this resolution and also for
all of the work he has done in math and science and in education. We
really do need to continue to work to have more scientists, more
engineers, and more mathematicians if we are going to compete in the
global economy.
IMSA was founded in 1985. It does enroll the most talented 10th
through 12th graders in the State of Illinois. Since its founding, it
has graduated 4,000 students, including many from nearby communities. I
have had the opportunity to have many of those students come from my
district. IMSA students go on to pursue exciting careers in the latest
cutting-edge fields: mathematics, engineering, and science. And just a
few more facts on where these IMSA alumni have gone. They were founding
teams for many Web sites, many Web site innovations, including
Netscape, PayPal, and YouTube, as the gentleman from Illinois
recognized.
Each year Intel gives this Star Innovator award to a school that
provides high quality, cutting-edge math and science instruction in a
unique and enriching environment. It is a boarding school, but the kids
have the opportunity to go home on the weekend, but they work really,
really hard and concentrate on their studies and they come out with a
great education and are able to move forward.
I am a long-time advocate also of science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics, or STEM education, and I have been since my tenure
here in Congress. I am really delighted to see that this school is
recognized for its innovative curriculum, its administration, its
teachers, and the high caliber of graduates that it produces. If we are
really to strive to develop a workforce for the 21st century and be
able to participate in the global economy--we always think of our
country as having the innovation and the creativity--well, this is
where it comes from. It is from schools like this that produce the
graduates that are able to carry forth in these fields.
I hope that IMSA will be a model for other schools throughout the
country. I think the more recognition it gets, the more we will find
that these schools are so important to our economy.
Please join us in supporting this important resolution in encouraging
excellence among our Nation's schools and giving those best students
the opportunity to participate in something like this.
{time} 1130
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I recognize myself for such time as I may
consume.
First of all, it is always a privilege to follow Mrs. Biggert to the
microphone, particularly when she speaks on
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education. Her support of education at every level is well known well
beyond the borders of Illinois. And this country's educational system
is much better off because of her devotion to education.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 862, congratulating
the staff of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning
the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction
Competition.
Each year the Intel Corporation holds an annual ``Intel Schools of
Distinction'' competition. The awards recognize schools in the United
States that implement innovative math and science programs and serve as
role models for other schools. Among the 18 schools that qualify for
the Intel Schools of Distinction honor, one school is selected to
receive the highly prestigious Star Innovator award. Finalists,
Winners, and the Star Innovator all receive a cash grant from the Intel
Foundation. The Star Innovator is given a $25,000 grant. On September
15, 2009, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy was selected as
a 2009 Star Innovator.
Established in 1985, the idea, as Mr. Foster mentioned, was first
created by Nobel Prize winner Leon Lederman, who set out to craft a
school that not only would provide children with an invaluable
education in science and mathematics, but also train thousands of
Illinois teachers in the art of teaching those skills.
Students at the Illinois Math and Science Academy design and conduct
hands-on experiments, make observations, analyze data, draw
conclusions, and communicate evidence-based principles. Students are
able to delve into the scientific literature and build understanding by
blending information and investigation through writing. Students are
given opportunities to partner with cutting-edge scientists on
diagnostics, nanotechnology, medical research, and more.
At the center of achievement at Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy is an excellent staff. They utilize cutting-edge facilities and
technology to advance student achievement. Of the 18 science faculty
members, 11 have a Ph.D. Numerous alumni are currently working at the
head of their fields in such diverse industries as aerospace
engineering, biotechnology, forensic science, and academic institutions
across the globe.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has clearly demonstrated
a continued dedication to offering the kind of education necessary to
create future generations of scientists in the United States, and thus
secure the future of scientific research in this country. Awarding them
the Star Innovator award not only credits them for doing an outstanding
job educating our youth in math and science, but also helps grant them
the funds to continue their success.
Madam Speaker, once again I express my support and congratulations
for the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in winning the 2009
Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction Competition, and I
urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 862, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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