Houston, TX – Rep. Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land) held a meeting on Saturday with his Congressional Youth Advisory Council about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to ensure American remains globally competitive. Olson stressed the significance of the role of STEM in various fields and workforce sectors. The students shared their interest in STEM and how it is being incorporated in their schools.

"The STEM disciplines are critically important in providing an environment for innovation and scientific discovery in an increasingly competitive global economy.” Olson said.“There is no better place to highlight the benefits than Houston, TX.  The Johnson Space Center is a living example of how America achieved global leadership through STEM education and serves as an important source of inspiration for area students to pursue careers in these fields.

“These talented students are future leaders, and it's a pleasure to work with them to better understand their concerns. The Youth Advisory Council also allows the students to experience the value of participating in their communities at an early age."

Dave Brower, President of Astro Technology Inc., and Fernando Guzman, President/CEO of Prime Eco Group, also participated in the event, talking with students about STEM and the vital role it plays in their businesses.

###

Rep. Olson with the Congressional Youth Advisory Council

Rep. Olson with the Congressional Youth Advisory Council

Media Contact: Melissa Kelly

202-225-5951

Students participating in the Advisory Council include:

Dawson High School

Colton Andrews, Junior

Irene Cofie, Senior

Ivy Lawrence-Walls, Senior

Rima Patel, Junior

Sharon Yang, Freshman

Pearland High School

Cynthia Jyrkila, Senior

Saydi Wollney, Senior

Austin High School

Siri Soth, Junior  

Clements High School

Bailey Arlinghaus, Senior

Rohail Dadwani, Senior

Victoria Diggs, Senior

Nikhil Iyer, Senior

Oluwafikayo Koyejo, Senior

Stephanie Lin, Junior

Brant Meredith, Sophmore

Baher Michel, Senior

Mah-rukh Muhammad, Senior

Sahar Sawani, Senior

Benjamin Segall, Junior

Gordon Tsai, Junior

Yu-Ting (Joyce) Toh, Senior

Madison Weaver, Senior     

Elkins High School

Milan Doshi, Junior

Abby Kincer, Senior    

Foster High School

Stephanie Tsai, Senior

Hightower High School

Michelle Walton, Senior

Kempner High School

Drew Liscum, Senior

Allison Mock, Senior

Clear Springs High School

Kayla Cox, Senior

Nilufar Gorek, Junior

John Herrmann, Senior

Ravena Jacob, Junior

Amanda Kerstman, Senior

Komal Luthra, Sophmore

Maximillian McElligott, Junior

Priya Ramchandra, Senior

Logan Reed, Senior

Clear Brook High School

Daniel Casas, Freshman

Zachariah Higginbotham, Junior         

Clear Lake High School

Ryan Horlacher, Freshman

George Liu, Senior          

Deer Park High School

Katelyn Moody, Sophmore

Pasadena Memorial High School

Erika Garza, Senior

Blake Huddleston, Senior

Leslie Lopez , Junior