House Resolution 68

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MADHAVI GAVINI OF COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, A STUDENT AT THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE, FOR RECEIVING THE TOP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD IN THE PRESTIGIOUS SIEMENS COMPETITION IN MATH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

WHEREAS, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology is the nation's premier science research program for high school students, which provides more than $1 Million in scholarships and awards to our nation's brightest and best young scholars; and

WHEREAS, this year the individual $50,000.00 scholarship winner, out of a pool of 1,660 student competitors, was Madhavi Gavini of Columbus, Mississippi, a student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; and

WHEREAS, established in 1998, the Siemens Foundation, a national leader in math and science education, providing nearly $2 Million in scholarships and awards annually, launched the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology in an effort to recognize America's best and brightest math and science students; and

WHEREAS, entries are judged at the regional level by esteemed scientists at six leading research universities which host the regional competitions: Carnegie Mellon University (Middle States), University of Notre Dame (Midwest), Stanford University (West), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (New England), Georgia Institute of Technology (South) and the University of Texas at Austin (Southwest); and

WHEREAS, based in Iselin, New Jersey, the Foundation's signature programs--the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement and the Siemens Teacher Scholarships--recognize exceptional achievement in science, math and technology; and

WHEREAS, through its support of outstanding students today, and recognition of the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers; and

WHEREAS, as one of the largest technology employers in the country, with four locations and over 400 employees in Mississippi, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology shares the view that the weakness of our K-12 math and science education is the greatest threat to America's long-term economic future; therefore, the Siemens Competition is an important initiative that will fuel the pipeline of skilled workers of the future; and

WHEREAS, Madhavi Gavini represents the brightest and best of Mississippi's high school students who will assist our state and nation to compete in a global economy, bringing positive recognition to her school, her community and her state, and we applaud the business community for recognizing the educational challenge of student proficiency in math and science by honoring this young Mississippian; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend academic excellence and achievement, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Madhavi Gavini of Columbus, Mississippi, a student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, for receiving the top individual scholarship award in the prestigious Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Madhavi Gavini and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.