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Rep. Steve Israel

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 58 Long Island high school seniors named as semifinalists in the National Intel Science competition. With 300 semifinalists nationwide, the Intel Science Talent Search gives high school seniors the opportunity to engage in ambitious science based research projects. I am especially proud of the constituents from my Congressional District on Long Island who were selected as semifinalists in this prestigious competition.

This next generation is continuing Long Island's strong legacy of pushing new innovations and scientific breakthroughs. Using math and science as a foundation, the seniors approached their respective projects from a variety of angles. By gaining access to professional laboratories at local universities, participants were given the opportunity to bring their creative aspirations to fruition. In doing so, they have begun to tackle some of our nation's most difficult challenges.

From working on a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease to creating a flame resistant plastic, our Long Island contestants embody the true American spirit of innovation and problem solving. Their sacrifice, patience and determination are instrumental in keeping America's competitive edge in a global economy.

Coupled with the effort of exceptional students, our Long Island science teachers played a pivotal role in this accomplishment. By pushing the boundaries and setting high expectations, these excellent teachers have helped their students succeed. Long Island's strong placement in the Intel Science competition semifinals reflects their dedication and commitment to their students' success. Moving forward, it is critical that our schools have the resources they need to cultivate robust math and science programs.

At the end of this month, forty finalists will be selected and invited to Washington, D.C. to meet leading scientists and researchers in a variety of fields. I am optimistic that some of our Long Island seniors have the privilege to attend. For all of the Intel Science Talent semifinalists, I wish them continued success as they pursue their college educations and future careers. I would now like to formally submit their names to the Congressional Record: Rebecca Alford, Austin Lee and Savina Kim of Commack High School; Juliana Coraor of Huntington High School; Malini Desai of Half Hollow Hills High School West; Jill Dolowich, Neil Mehta, Anuja Shah, Anirudh Chandrashekar, April Pun, Sagar Rambhia and Christine Kim of Jericho High School; Parsa Erfani, Samantha Fradkin, Sherilyn Gould and Mariam Makram of Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School; Samantha Garvey of Brentwood High School; Hannah Kenagy of Half Hollow Hills High School East; Amelia Morales, Shannon Wetzler and Eric Parigoris of Kings Park High School; Garima Yadav of Sachem North High School.