[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE ALPENA HIGH SCHOOL ENGINEERING TEAM ON THEIR 
       OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AT THE GREAT LAKES ROV COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary 
achievement of the Alpena High School Engineering Team, who recently 
represented Michigan's 1st Congressional District with distinction at 
the Great Lakes ROV Competition.
  Under the leadership of their coach, Mr. Robert Thompson, and in 
partnership with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Alpena 
Community College Marine Tech Program, these talented students work 
collaboratively to develop vital marine research equipment and 
educational content. Their efforts highlight the ingenuity, discipline, 
and determination of Northern Michigan students and demonstrate what 
can be accomplished when education, technical training, and community 
support come together.
  This year, the team delivered a record-setting performance at the 
regional competition against teams from Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, 
earning the distinct honor of advancing to the World Championship in 
St. John's, Newfoundland this coming summer. During the competition, 
the students were judged by local professionals who evaluated the 
design and functional operation of the robots, poster displays, and 
engineering presentations.
  At the world championship, the team will compete against students 
from around the world, deploying custom-built Remotely Operated 
Vehicles designed to solve real world marine challenges. These students 
not only represent the future of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, 
but they also highlight the critical role skilled innovators play in 
strengthening our Nation's infrastructure, maritime capabilities, and 
national security.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing the Alpena High School 
Engineering Team on this tremendous achievement and wish them the very 
best as they represent Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula at the 
international competition in Newfoundland. I cannot think of a better 
group of young adults to represent Michigan's 1st Congressional 
District on the world stage.

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