Congratulating Northwest Ohio Science Fair Winner Caleb Kowalski

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Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Caleb Kowalski, a bright young student who is the future of northwest Ohio. He won recognition for his scientific achievement.

Caleb is a seventh grader at Put-In-Bay Middle School, and when he needed a project for his school's science fair this winter, he turned to our nearby Great Lake Erie for inspiration.

Caleb chose to explore solutions to the algae blooms that historically plague our freshwater kingdom. He did this by testing the ability of various plants to keep dangerous nutrients from flowing into rivers, lakes, and streams. Those nutrients harm the ecosystem and endanger boaters, and if not addressed, swimmers will have difficulties. These blooms also could turn Lake Erie and Lake Ontario into swamps if not addressed.

Caleb's project earned a superior rating. Then, the district allowed him to compete at the Northwest Science and Engineering Fair in February. There he earned, again, first place in his category, allowing him to apply for a slot to compete at the national level this October.

Mr. Speaker, let's applaud Caleb for his curiosity and scholarship. We hope that his generation will help us usher in complete health for the largest body of freshwater on Earth, the Great Lakes.

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