Senate Concurrent Resolution 593

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT 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. This prestigious program 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 was Madhavi Gavini of Columbus, Mississippi, a student at the Mississippi School for Math and Science; and

WHEREAS, the Siemens Competition was launched in 1998 to recognize America's best and brightest math and science students. In 2006-2007, 1,660 students entered the competition. 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, the Siemens Foundation, established in 1998, is a national leader in math and science education, providing nearly $2 Million in scholarships and awards annually. 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. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers. The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens' United States operating companies and its parent company, Siemens AG; and

WHEREAS, as one of the largest technology employers in the country, with four locations and over 400 employees in Mississippi, the Siemens Competition 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. It is even more compelling because the United States is facing a shortage of skilled workers as our nation's universities are producing fewer scientific and engineering graduates; therefore, the Siemens Competition is an important imitative 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. She has brought 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:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, 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 this resolution be presented to Madhavi Gavini and her family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.