[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 70 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E729-E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE BRAVE AND TALENTED LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL STUDENT 
   PARTICIPANTS IN THE 39TH ANNUAL ROBBIE BERMINGHAM SPEAKING CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 13 exceptional 
students at Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) in the suburban 
Chicago district I represent.
   These fifth through eighth grade students honored a 39-year 
tradition born out of a moment of pure courage, when Robbie Bermingham, 
recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, rose to his feet, delivered 
a speech from his heart and moved all those in attendance.
   This year's 13 finalists spoke with poise, passion, pride and great 
courage themselves. They elucidated universal topics, big and small, 
and brought them to life with personal experiences.

[[Page E730]]

   Angelique Alexos on technology; Foster Graf on courage; Chapin 
Grumhaus on community cooperation; Heather Knobel on dyslexia; Luke 
Maggos on stereotypes; Olivia Maggos on Russian adoption; Tyler Medvec 
on unsung heroes; Calvin Osborne on NASA; Charlie Shattock on optimism; 
Lily Silvester on baking; Scotty Skinner on Falling Whistles; Kimberly 
Stafford on underdogs; and Chloe Whelan on what is normal.
   Since the Annual Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest is, in fact, a 
competition, special recognition must go to Chloe Whelan, who took 
First Place, to Tyler Medvec for a Second Place finish and to Heather 
Knobel and Chapin Grumhaus for jointly taking Third Place.
   These students, their enthusiasm, their eloquence and their vision 
truly inspired me and gave me hope for our future.
   I am grateful for the lasting impression that young Robbie 
Bermingham has left on Lake Forest Country Day School, its faculty and 
students, and I am glad that they carry on that legacy of public 
speaking excellence today. Congratulations once again to all 13 
finalists, and thank you for bringing us hope and perspective.

                          ____________________