Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-23

RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS

TaxesEnvironmentInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-01-23, Representative Richard E. Neal (D-MA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, infrastructure.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 16 (Friday, January 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 16 (Friday, January 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E71] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS ______ HON. RICHARD E. NEAL of massachusetts in the house of representatives Friday, January 23, 2026 Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone in western Massachusetts broadcasting and educational history: the 65th anniversary season of As Schools Match Wits, an award-winning high school academic quiz show produced by New England Public Media and Westfield State University. To the best of our knowledge, As Schools Match Wits, known affectionately throughout the region as ASMW, is the longest-running, continually broadcast television program in Massachusetts, and quite possibly in all of New England. Founded in 1961 by Leonard J. Collamore and first aired on WWLP-TV, ASMW quickly became a treasured institution in western Massachusetts. For 46 seasons, it provided a platform for students to showcase their academic talents and brought communities together around a shared celebration of learning. When rising production costs threatened the program's future in 2006, the people of western Massachusetts made their voices heard. Their outpouring of support inspired Russell Peotter of WGBY-TV and Dr. Elizabeth Preston of Westfield State University to join forces and save the show, ensuring that this beloved tradition would continue for future generations. In an extraordinary collaborative effort, WGBY and the Westfield State University Department of Communication assembled a dedicated team of producers, faculty, and technical staff who worked tirelessly to rebuild the set, reconnect with participating schools, develop new production schedules, and train students. Their commitment ensured that the program never missed a season. Since 2007, ASMW has aired every Saturday evening from January through June on NEPM/WGBY-TV, welcoming schools from across western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut to compete in a spirited test of academic excellence. What sets ASMW apart is its deep educational mission. The questions are aligned with Massachusetts and Connecticut high school curriculum standards and vetted by Westfield State University faculty. Undergraduate students from the University's Department of Communication serve as the production crew, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in broadcast television under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Many of these students have gone on to successful careers in media, working at major outlets including the NFL Network, NBC Boston, WBZ-TV, CBS News Texas, the Dan Patrick Show, and WGGB-TV. At the heart of ASMW's longevity is a core group of dedicated professionals who have shepherded the program for nearly two decades. Executive Producers Mark St. Jean of Westfield State University and Tony Dunne of NEPM/WGBY have been with the show since its transition in 2006, as has Director Eric Jones, who began working on the program as a freshman at WSU and now returns each year despite his national-level career. Host Beth Ward, an award-winning journalist, has brought her talent and warmth to the program since 2009. Production Manager Alex Simisky, a former student crew member himself, now oversees the University's TV studios and ensures the smooth operation of each season. Despite the evolution of media and the challenges facing traditional broadcast television, ASMW remains a beloved and enduring institution. It is now a generational program, with parents and grandparents proudly watching their children and grandchildren compete on the same stage where they once stood. Each year, the championship match becomes a regional event, covered by local media and celebrated in communities across western Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, As Schools Match Wits is more than a television show. It is a celebration of learning, a training ground for future media professionals, and a cherished tradition that has strengthened the fabric of western Massachusetts for more than six decades. I extend my deepest congratulations to New England Public Media, Westfield State University, and the countless educators, students, producers, and supporters who have sustained this remarkable program. May ASMW continue to inspire and uplift students for many years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 16 (Friday, January 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 16 (Friday, January 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E71] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF AS SCHOOLS MATCH WITS ______ HON. RICHARD E. NEAL of massachusetts in the house of representatives Friday, January 23, 2026 Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone in western Massachusetts broadcasting and educational history: the 65th anniversary season of As Schools Match Wits, an award-winning high school academic quiz show produced by New England Public Media and Westfield State University. To the best of our knowledge, As Schools Match Wits, known affectionately throughout the region as ASMW, is the longest-running, continually broadcast television program in Massachusetts, and quite possibly in all of New England. Founded in 1961 by Leonard J. Collamore and first aired on WWLP-TV, ASMW quickly became a treasured institution in western Massachusetts. For 46 seasons, it provided a platform for students to showcase their academic talents and brought communities together around a shared celebration of learning. When rising production costs threatened the program's future in 2006, the people of western Massachusetts made their voices heard. Their outpouring of support inspired Russell Peotter of WGBY-TV and Dr. Elizabeth Preston of Westfield State University to join forces and save the show, ensuring that this beloved tradition would continue for future generations. In an extraordinary collaborative effort, WGBY and the Westfield State University Department of Communication assembled a dedicated team of producers, faculty, and technical staff who worked tirelessly to rebuild the set, reconnect with participating schools, develop new production schedules, and train students. Their commitment ensured that the program never missed a season. Since 2007, ASMW has aired every Saturday evening from January through June on NEPM/WGBY-TV, welcoming schools from across western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut to compete in a spirited test of academic excellence. What sets ASMW apart is its deep educational mission. The questions are aligned with Massachusetts and Connecticut high school curriculum standards and vetted by Westfield State University faculty. Undergraduate students from the University's Department of Communication serve as the production crew, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in broadcast television under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Many of these students have gone on to successful careers in media, working at major outlets including the NFL Network, NBC Boston, WBZ-TV, CBS News Texas, the Dan Patrick Show, and WGGB-TV. At the heart of ASMW's longevity is a core group of dedicated professionals who have shepherded the program for nearly two decades. Executive Producers Mark St. Jean of Westfield State University and Tony Dunne of NEPM/WGBY have been with the show since its transition in 2006, as has Director Eric Jones, who began working on the program as a freshman at WSU and now returns each year despite his national-level career. Host Beth Ward, an award-winning journalist, has brought her talent and warmth to the program since 2009. Production Manager Alex Simisky, a former student crew member himself, now oversees the University's TV studios and ensures the smooth operation of each season. Despite the evolution of media and the challenges facing traditional broadcast television, ASMW remains a beloved and enduring institution. It is now a generational program, with parents and grandparents proudly watching their children and grandchildren compete on the same stage where they once stood. Each year, the championship match becomes a regional event, covered by local media and celebrated in communities across western Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, As Schools Match Wits is more than a television show. It is a celebration of learning, a training ground for future media professionals, and a cherished tradition that has strengthened the fabric of western Massachusetts for more than six decades. I extend my deepest congratulations to New England Public Media, Westfield State University, and the countless educators, students, producers, and supporters who have sustained this remarkable program. May ASMW continue to inspire and uplift students for many years to come. ____________________