[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12922]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING DR. JAMES CRAIK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STATE MESA CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2011

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate a 
remarkable group of talented young students from Maryland's Fifth 
Congressional District.
  On May 9th, a team from Dr. James Craik Elementary School in Charles 
County won first place in Maryland's statewide Mathematics, 
Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) competition held at the Johns 
Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel. To participate 
in the competition, the students first had to prevail in the regional 
semi-finals against 21 other Charles County elementary schools.
  Led by coaches Nick Gardiner and Susan Steinmet, the team took on a 
series of challenges that tested their ingenuity, creativity, and 
determination. Although they faced stiff competition, the team 
impressed the judges and emerged victorious by incorporating green 
design elements like solar panels and making the most efficient 
designs. It is the second time Craik has won the competition in just 3 
years.
  The team's win represents not only a victory for Craik, but for our 
State and Nation. With the proper education and support, these students 
have proven that the next generation of American leaders are poised to 
push the boundaries of science and technology and achieve great things. 
I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding this great 
accomplishment.

                          ____________________