Rep. Casten Recognizes Local 5th Grade Class for Dedication to Science, State Rock Election
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) addressed the House to honor the dedication to science of Jennifer Lauermann and her 5th grade class at Pleasantville Middle School in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
Ms. Lauermann's class spent this past year studying rocks. They met with geologists and other scientists throughout Illinois, but discovered that Illinois did not have a state rock. In an effort to officially choose a state rock, they conducted an election between Sandstone, Limestone, and Dolostone. Over 1200 people participated, including Rep. Casten who voted for Limestone. Ms. Lauermann's class officially recommended the winner, Dolostone, to be the new state rock, and have urged Illinois legislators to support their election.
"I hope my colleagues in the Illinois delegation will join me in supporting the effort to make Dolostone Illinois' State rock, but more importantly I couldn't be prouder to represent such great teachers and students committed to science and to democracy," said Rep. Casten.
You can watch a video of Rep. Casten's address here.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
"I rise to recognize Pleasantdale Middle School in Burridge Illinois and specifically Jennifer Lauermann's fifth-grade science class. Ms. Lauremann is a "rock" star. Her students spent this semester studying rocks, interviewing geologists and other scientists across Illinois. They learned a lot, but something troubling emerged. Illinois does not have a state rock.
"Iowa has the geode Wisconsin has red granite. I was, Illinois got nothing. And so, as good citizens do, the class had an election. Sandstone, Limestone, and Dolostone emerged from a heated primary, and 1200 Illinois and then voted in the general election, including me. I voted for Limestone. My candidate didn't win, but it was a free and fair election.
"It is now my privilege to introduce the winner of the Pleasantville Middle School 2021 State Rock Election. Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, Staff, Dolostone. I hope my colleagues in the Illinois delegation will join me in supporting the effort to make Dolostone Illinois' State rock, but more importantly, I couldn't be prouder to represent such great teachers and students committed to science and to democracy. I yield back."
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