[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE EIGHTH GRADERS OF FRAZIER MIDDLE SCHOOL IN 
                       PERRYOPOLIS, PENNSYLVANIA

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                           HON. MARK S. CRITZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2011

  Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the eighth graders 
of Frazier Middle School from Perryopolis, PA and their achievements in 
the national March Math Madness Competition.
  More than 1,400 schools from 30 states took part in the March Math 
Madness Competition sponsored by Apangea Learning. Students were 
challenged to complete hundreds of thousands of math equations in a 
competition designed to mirror the college basketball March Madness 
championship. The group of 74 students from Frazier Middle School, led 
by math teacher Susan Szelc, completed 132,023 math problems and worked 
2,175 hours since March 1, 2011. A majority of that time, 1,161 hours, 
was spent solving equations outside of the traditional school day. 
These are committed students who put in the extra effort to complete a 
challenge and stimulate their minds.
  The eighth graders from Frazier Middle School first qualified for the 
Sweet 16 on February 28, 2011; later advanced to the Elite Eight, the 
Final Four, and then to the national championship round. The students' 
hard work has brought them the coveted March Math Madness Trophy and a 
banner to proudly display in their school gymnasium. They also had the 
distinguished honor of having one of their own peers, Alex Lyons, be 
named the MVP of the East. Alex was able to pass the most math 
equations, 530 units, without failing.
  Our country's future is dependent on the hard work and intellect of 
students like these. It is encouraging to see such talent and ambition 
being nurtured in our public school system. Outstanding educators, such 
as Susan Szelc, must also be commended for her efforts in this 
challenge.
  These students have displayed a true aptitude for learning and should 
be properly recognized for the great champions that they are. Mr. 
Speaker, once again I would like to honor these students for their hard 
work, dedication, and commitment towards their education.

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