The beginning of the school year brings excitement about new challenges and fresh opportunities to learn and succeed. That makes this the perfect time for me to talk about some of the great accomplishments of Lemont area students that I have witnessed recently.
At the beginning of the year, Lemont High School's Connor Koehler was one of a small group of individuals I nominated from the Third Congressional District for admission to one of the U.S. Service Academies for the entering classes of 2015. Connor is now a plebe at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and has a very bright future ahead of him. Every year, applications pour into my offices from impressive women and men who want to serve their country. The selection of nominees is based upon a strict "whole person" evaluation, so just to be nominated is an incredible honor. Applications for nomination for the 2016 entering classes are due to my office in November.
Recently, I welcomed to Washington the Third Congressional District's winner of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. Brook Finger from Lemont High School had her artwork unveiled at the U.S. Capitol in June and it will be on display for the next year alongside the winning pieces from other congressional districts around the country. Brook's painting honors the sacrifices of area firefighters. One of her peers from Lemont, Victoria Rose Annarino, was a runner-up in the competition and currently has her picture displayed in my district office in Lockport. The art competition is open to all high school students and the deadline for admission of artwork will be in April next year.
When the area can boast of a facility such as Argonne National Laboratory, I'm not surprised to see future STEM leaders in Lemont and the surrounding area challenging themselves by participating in great programs like Project Infinite Green. Project Infinite Green is an afterschool program where students learn about the science and business of renewable energy from teachers, scientists, public officials, and people who work in the industry. These students work long hours on complex projects they assemble. I have had the chance to see Project Infinite Green students present their projects and I have been greatly impressed by what they accomplish.
These are just a few examples of what I have seen students in the area achieve. As the new school year starts, I encourage all students to take advantage of the great opportunities that are available to them here. Dream big and work hard to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.