[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROCHESTER GIRL SCOUT TECH TEAM, THE 
                             HIPPIE PANDAS

                                  _____
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Emily 
Sabo, Carolyn Grant, Ashley Stafford and Jodie Reese--members of the 
Hippie Pandas Girl Scout team of Rochester, NY. Along with their 
coaches Cheryl and Christa Lawniczak, the Hippie Pandas recently 
pioneered an invention that is preventing disease, and saving lives.
  The young ladies of the Hippie Pandas recently partnered with 
engineers at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Eastman Kodak 
Company to design and build a device to change the world. Through 
extensive research and hard work, the young women created a solar-
powered pasteurization system that processes raw milk. As I write, this 
invention is providing women in developing countries with an easy and 
inexpensive way to access safe milk for themselves and their families.
  This invention was spurred by a desire to help women in Nicaragua, 
where unpasteurized milk has caused women to suffer from higher-than-
normal rates of miscarriage and disease. They've done exactly that, as 
their invention has already been put to use in Nicaragua, and requests 
have come in to expand its use to other countries.
  Across the world, women face the tremendous challenge of accessing 
safe, affordable and secure health care. Indeed, in many countries, 
lack of resources and gender discrimination conspire to leave women 
vulnerable to contracting preventable disease. Every day, some of the 
most accomplished and heralded professionals in the world work to 
address these challenges. Yet, quietly, a small group of dedicated 
young women in Western New York solved one such challenge with an 
incredible invention.
  Through their hard work, the Hippie Pandas have helped change the 
course of life for women a world away. In the process, they have shown 
this Congress, and this country, the important role that science and 
technology play in making our world a better place.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such intelligent, innovative, 
and accomplished young women. Through their work, the Hippie Pandas 
have shown the best that the Rochester area has to offer. Their 
scientific and technological knowledge, together with a deep passion 
for serving a greater good, embodies the values that serve as a 
foundation for my hometown and our Nation.
  In honor of the Hippie Pandas' service to the global community, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in congratulating Emily, Carolyn, Ashley, 
Jodie, Cheryl and Christa, and their mentors at Rochester Institute of 
Technology and Eastman Kodak Co. for their innovative work and 
dedication to science and technology. I speak for all of Western New 
York in expressing our pride and gratitude for the life-changing work 
the Hippie Pandas have done.

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