[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9082]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HOOSIER STUDENTS

 Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, in my home State of Indiana, we take 
great pride when our children display exemplary academic work and 
interest in our Nation's history. We are very proud of four Hoosier 
middle school students from Warsaw, IN, who are using their research 
skills to tell the story of a heroic veteran for their National History 
Day project entitled ``Taking a Stand at Pearl Harbor.''
  I am pleased to recognize these four fine young men, Keller Bailey 
and Jason Benyousky of Washington STEM Academy, Geoffrey Hochstetler, 
who is educated at home, and Ryun Hoffert of Eisenhower Elementary; who 
worked together to research, write, and perform a series of skits 
around the theme, ``Making a Stand in History.'' These boys chose to 
design their project around the events of December 7, 1941, the day the 
Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. As part of their detailed research, the 
students read a book by a veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald 
Stratton. This book inspired one of the scenes of their presentation, 
which depicts the heroic actions of Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Joe 
George's rescue of six men from the sinking USS Arizona. Ryun Hoffert 
went the literal extra mile and traveled to Pearl Harbor for the 75th 
anniversary of the attack to meet with local experts and see the 
memorials erected in honor of our fallen heroes. After this exhaustive 
research effort, these dedicated students each wrote scenes for their 
presentation.
  According to their project sponsor, Richard Rooker, each student 
brought his unique gifts to the team: ``Keller displayed indefatigable 
energy. Jason contributed his outstanding acting ability. Geoffrey lent 
the team his calm and steady demeanor, and Ryun brought his insatiable 
curiosity about history to the project.''
  In February, their presentation won first place in the district 
competition. They continued to revise, refine, and practice their 
presentation, and their perseverance paid off on May 6, when they 
placed first in the junior division in the Indiana State competition. 
This week, they will compete at the national competition at the 
University of Maryland.
  I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Keller, Jason, 
Geoffrey, and Ryun for their hard work, patriotism, and success in the 
Indiana State competition for National History Day. I would also like 
to recognize the supportive parents, teachers, and advisers who helped 
the students along the way, especially Mr. Rooker. On behalf of all 
Hoosiers, we are proud of your creativity and determination; your 
entire State is cheering for you.

                          ____________________