[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11739]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DAVID TIDMARSH

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize David 
Tidmarsh from South Bend, IN, as the champion of the 77th annual 
National Spelling Bee. On June 3, 2004, David became the first Hoosier 
to win the National Spelling Bee in more than 75 years.
  In his quest to be the Nation's top seller, David triumphed over 265 
of the best spellers from across the Nation. He successfully disposed 
of his competition in 15 rounds over three days and claimed victory 
with the correct spelling of ``autochthonous.'' David and his fellow 
top spellers, including fourteen other from Indiana, emerged from a 
pool of more than 9 million 9- to 15-year-olds through winning their 
local spelling contests.
  David's achievement is a testament to his perseverance and 
dedication. This was David's second time participating in the 
competition. He tied for 16th place in last year's National Spelling 
Bee. His hard work and commitment to his goal of winning the National 
Spelling Bee will serve as an example and inspiration to students 
across the country and around the world.
  Hoosiers throughout Indiana can take immense pride in David's 
accomplishment, as he represents the full academic potential that 
exists in the young people of our State. David's parents and educators 
also deserve a great deal of credit for David's success. Their support 
and encouragement throughout David's schooling have been critical to 
his success and will continue to play an important role in his future 
academic achievement.
  I am honored to enter the name of David Tidmarsh into the 
Congressional Record, to officially congratulate him on his 
accomplishment as champion of the 2004 National Spelling Bee.

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