[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO COMMEND THE HURLEY ELEMENTARY SCIENCE BOWL TEAM FOR REACHING THE 
                         NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alfredo Guzman, 
Ulises Trejo, Vanessa Campos and Alondra Arciga of Hurley Elementary 
School, and their coaches Ms. Jazmine Smith-Falicetti, Ms. Roxana Del 
Real, and Ms. Shellie Affolter for earning the opportunity to compete 
in the 2012 National Science Bowl.
  Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with these outstanding 
students and congratulate them and their teachers on their success. 
They clearly represent our country's bright future. Their confidence, 
intellect, and respectfulness will take them far, and I encouraged them 
to pursue studies in science, engineering, and math.
  The National Science Bowl is a nationwide academic competition that 
tests students' knowledge of mathematics and science. This competition 
was launched by the Department of Energy as a new way to encourage 
students' interest in math and science career opportunities. During the 
bowl, competitors participate in a fast paced question-and-answer quiz, 
as well as attend science seminars and workshops. Middle school teams 
also compete in the Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Model Car Challenge. 
This challenge stimulates creativity and fosters engineering skills as 
students compete to design, build, and race model cars.
  Since the beginning of January, regional tournaments have been held 
across the country narrowing the competition to the best and the 
brightest in the nation. Hurley Elementary was the only school from the 
Midway Network of the Chicago Public School system that qualified to 
compete in the Chicago Regional Science Bowl. Likewise, the national 
competition was extremely tough this year as only 44 middle school 
teams earned the opportunity to compete in the final rounds in 
Washington, D.C.
  As a team of sixth graders competing against students up to two years 
older, it has been an amazing accomplishment for Hurley to make it to 
the national competition. Although they did not bring home any awards 
this year, I am proud that they advanced as far as they did. Their hard 
work coupled with natural talent will take them far in life. I commend 
Ms. Smith-Falicetti, Ms. Del Real, and Ms. Affolter, for motivating 
these excellent young minds as well. Their leadership and guidance has 
been an invaluable asset to this team. I am proud of these bright 
students and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the 
future.

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