TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords kicks off a busy weekend of public events on Friday by honoring members of the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon team.
The team won the state championship in March and placed fourth in the national competition, which was held last week in Memphis, Tennessee.
At a 9:30 a.m. assembly at the school, Giffords will present each of the nine team members with a copy of remarks that she recently entered into the Congressional Record.
“These smart, industrious young men and women have set a wonderful example for every public school student in our country,” Giffords said. “Their achievements remind us that excellence is the direct result of determination, hard work and clearly defined goals.”
As part of the Congressional Record, the team’s success is now a permanent page in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives.
After leaving Canyon Del Oro, Giffords travels to Tucson Medical Center where she will pay tribute to a group of 51 Southern Arizona centenarians. She then will host a roundtable discussion on health care with physicians. Although this meeting is not open to the public, media are welcome to interview the congresswoman after its conclusion.
On Saturday, Giffords hosts a reception at Tohono Chul Park for winners of her third annual Congressional Art Competition. Giffords will acknowledge the artistic achievements of 49 students from throughout the 8th Congressional District. The grand prize winner is Rachel Childers of Ironwood Ridge High School. Her entry, “Portrait of Elmer,” is a vividly rendered painting of her grandfather.
Later on Saturday, Giffords hosts her third Academy Day, an information session for high school students interested in attending one of our nation’s service academies. Students will have the opportunity to meet with the congresswoman and representatives from the Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies, as well as the University of Arizona ROTC.
Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, nominates candidates to each academy, but the academies make the final admissions decisions.
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords honors members of the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon team
WHEN: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 1
WHERE: Canyon Del Oro High School, 25 W. Calle Concordia, Tucson
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords pays tribute to local centenarians
WHEN: 11 a.m., Friday, May 1
WHERE: Marshall Conference Center, Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant, Tucson
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords hosts a roundtable discussion with physicians
WHEN: 3:30 to 5:15 p.m., Friday, May 1
WHERE: Pima County Medical Society, 5199 E. Fairness Drive, Tucson
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords hosts a reception for Congressional Art Competition winners
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 2
WHERE: Tohono Chul Park Performance Garden, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords host her third Academy Day
WHEN: 1-2 p.m., Saturday, May 2
WHERE: Rincon High School Little Theater, 421 N. Arcadia Ave., Tucson