On 2026-04-23, Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH-13) delivered a floor speech titled "INVENTORS HALL OF FAME STEM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHESS TEAM NAMED CHAMPION OF THE WEEK" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.
INVENTORS HALL OF FAME STEM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHESS TEAM NAMED CHAMPION OF THE WEEK
Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3078] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1040 INVENTORS HALL OF FAME STEM MIDDLE SCHOOL CHESS TEAM NAMED CHAMPION OF THE WEEK (Mrs. SYKES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School chess team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's champion of the week. On March 8, the Akron STEM Middle School students brought home both a first place and third place team trophy from the Ohio State Chess Championship, along with several individual awards. Their outstanding performance reflects both their talent and their dedication to excellence. Under the leadership of Coach Don Glocar, who has been guiding chess teams for more than two decades, these students have developed not only competitive skills but also discipline and resilience. As Coach Glocar says: The goal is simple: work hard, stay focused, and enjoy the game. Through hours of practice and competition, these young scholars are sharpening critical thinking skills, learning to anticipate challenges, and building confidence that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Their passion for chess demonstrates that success is not only measured in trophies, but in growth, perseverance, and teamwork. It is always a pleasure to recognize young people doing remarkable things who help make our district the birthplace of champions. Achievements like these showcase the strength of our community and the bright future of northeast Ohio. These students' hard work has certainly made our district proud, and we can't wait to see what the future holds. Again, I congratulate the chess students of the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School on their accomplishments and for being named champions of the week. ____________________