79R19342 MMS-D

By:  Strama                                                       H.R. No. 2103



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The 2004-2005 Science Olympiad team from Park Crest 
Middle School in Pflugerville has compiled a remarkable record, 
qualifying for and competing in the national competition and 
winning numerous awards throughout the year; and
	WHEREAS, Emphasizing problem-solving, hands-on activities, 
and cross-disciplinary learning, the Science Olympiad is designed 
to make the study of science more exciting and to encourage more 
students  to pursue science-related careers; and
	WHEREAS, To qualify for the team at Park Crest, where the 
Science Olympiad is an extracurricular activity, students take an 
exam that covers all areas of science and then tackle a timed 
engineering challenge; the top students make the team and then 
spend an average of four to seven hours a week practicing their 
events with volunteer coaches; team members are required to 
maintain an overall grade average of at least a B; and
	WHEREAS, At the May 2005 national competition, held at the 
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Park Crest students 
matched wits against 59 other teams from across the country; 
placing 19th overall, they finished ninth in the Robo-Billiards 
event, eighth in Fossils, and fourth in Storm the Castle; and
	WHEREAS, Earlier in the year, these outstanding students 
dominated the Revere Invitational, where they won first place as a 
team and took numerous medals in individual events; the regional 
meet, where they placed first and, out of 15 events, took 12 gold 
medals and 3 silver medals; and the state meet, where they again 
claimed first place and became one of only two teams to advance to 
the national contest; this trip marks the seventh time that Park 
Crest students have represented Texas at the national level; and
	WHEREAS, Ably guided by science teacher and head coach 
Kathleen Negrito, the Park Crest team includes Mary Anker, Ashley 
Bender, Will Fullerton, Katie Haney, Wesley Hejl, Anthony Laird, 
Maggie Lapoint, Sarah Macomber, Sarah Margaretich, Vince 
Margaretich, Adam Nations, LM Price, Alyssa Purcell, Jennifer 
Purcell, Travis Scheffel, Alicia Stewart, Matt Stokes, Jacob 
Townsend, Allison Varney, Troy Varney, and Kelly Wright; and
	WHEREAS, Through exhaustive preparation and tremendous 
dedication, the members of the Park Crest Science Olympiad team 
have brought great credit to their school and their community, and 
they have compiled a record of accomplishment that promises a 
bright and fulfilling future; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate the members of the 2004-2005 
Science Olympiad team of Park Crest Middle School on their stellar 
achievements and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued 
success in all their endeavors; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Park Crest Science Olympiad team as an expression 
of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.