Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson gave an impassioned address to the more than 300 students in attendance, encouraging them to excel in the study of science and technology because the future of America would be determined by what they decided to do in their academic and professional lives.
“I am here to ask each of you for your commitment to science and math because it is these disciplines that will ensure that our nation will stay globally competitive with our international counterparts,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “The most important aspect in being globally competitive is the development of young scientists. You have the opportunity to be our next generation of global leaders.”
After completing her remarks, Congresswoman Johnson, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Roosevelt Johnson. Dr. Johnson is the acting associate director for education at NASA. He addressed the students, telling them that they should consider themselves the future explorers of the universe.
“Science is a field that many of you should consider pursuing,” said Dr. Johnson a graduate of Howard University who has spent a large part of his professional life recruiting minority students to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. “It (science) was not something that had interested me, but it has made a real difference in my life. Many of you in this auditorium are the future scientists that our country needs.”
Ms. Tiffany Huitt, the principal of the science and engineering component at Town View, thanked Congresswoman Johnson for holding the lecture series at the school, and for bringing “illuminating speakers” for students each year. “The lecture series has made a real difference in the lives of our students,” Ms. Huitt said.
