[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 81 (Thursday, May 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E677-E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  KINGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL WORLD DEBATERS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is always a privilege to be able to 
recognize the achievements and hard work of outstanding students in my 
community. As the 2017-2018 school year is winding down, two students 
from Kingwood High School are just getting warmed up.
  Emily Grantham and Leila Saklou, Kingwood High School eleventh 
graders, have earned two of the five spots on Team USA at the World 
Schools Debate Championships. Competing in debate tournaments at 
Cornell University, Harvard University, Los Angeles, Germany, Croatia, 
and Taiwan, Emily and Leila have traveled the world.
  Debate creates leaders. I also commend Emily and Leila's debate team 
and their coaches at Kingwood High School. Young men and women of all 
backgrounds have

[[Page E678]]

come together, working as a team, to accomplish a single goal. This 
teamwork serves as an example for all of us. Congress should take 
notice of this squad.
  The World Schools Debate Championships will be held this summer in 
Croatia from July 17 to July 27. More than 50 countries compete at this 
10 day global competition for high school debate teams each year, 
discussing 13 diverse topics such as politics, philosophy, technology, 
and law. This global event promotes excellence, creativity, and 
critical thinking. Emily and Leila's success in the world class event 
is inspiring.
  As a past patron of the World Schools Debate Championships, Nelson 
Mandela, said, ``A winner is a dreamer who never gives up''. Emily and 
Leila are already winners in my book, and have demonstrated an 
exceptionally high standard of excellence and talent. These girls have 
earned the distinction of representing not only Texas, but the United 
States. I know they will represent us with pride and dignity. 
Congratulations to Emily and Leila for their outstanding achievements. 
My best wishes are with them this summer.
  Go Team USA, and Kingwood Strong.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________