[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE ALICE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2016

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 
Alice, Texas High School Academic Decathlon Team for winning the state 
title. After countless hours of studying and preparation, their record-
breaking performance demonstrates the remarkable talent and dedication 
of these bright students.
   The Alice team is the first Title 1 school--one with a 
disproportionate number of students from low-income families--to win an 
Academic Decathlon at any level in Texas. They defeated 29 other 
qualifying schools to claim the state championship. After 14 
consecutive regional titles won by Alice teams, this year's squad 
shattered the previous 5A state record by scoring 50,292 points in the 
competition. Alice High School is one of only eight institutions to 
score above 50,000 points in the 30-year history of the Texas Academic 
Decathlon.
   I also want to recognize the coaches, teachers, parents, school 
administrators, and everyone who has helped in developing the minds of 
these champions. Their support, and that of other role models, has 
contributed greatly to the past decade and a half of success at Alice 
High School.
   Success in Academic Decathlon competitions requires levels of 
commitment and preparation that go well beyond what is asked of a 
typical high schooler. Each round consists of ten events, including a 
seven-minute interview, an essay, two speeches, and comprehensive 
written exams in subjects from music to literature to economics. Not 
only did these Alice students outperform the competition, they did so 
with fewer resources and advantages than many of their opponents.
   I commend these students for studying many hours each week to 
prepare for the State Academic Decathlon competition, and for bringing 
home the top prize. The future could hardly be brighter for each of 
them. I rise today to share my congratulations and applaud their 
efforts.

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