WASHINGTON (Today) – Rep. Michael Honda congratulated three finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010 from California’s 15th District. The Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public, is America’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Over the past 68 years, Science Talent Search participants have gone on to achieve some of the world’s most esteemed academic honors, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medals, the National Medal of Science and MacArthur Foundation Fellowships.

This year’s 40 finalists were selected from a pool of 1,736 high school seniors that entered the competition. The finalists from California’s 15th District are Namrata Anand who attends The Harker School in San Jose, and David Liu and Raman Nelakanti who attend Lynbrook High School in San Jose.

“I would like to congratulate Namrata Anand, David Liu and Raman Nelakanti, finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010 and thank Intel for hosting this competition,” said Rep. Honda. “These young adults represent the future of our country, a future which will certainly have its foundations in a passion for math and science and a commitment to innovation. The achievements of these finalists should inspire us all to reflect on the role math and science education play in preparing America for tomorrow.”

Namrata, David, and Raman will join the other finalists in Washington, D.C. in March where they will undergo a rigorous judging process, interact with leading scientists, display their research at the renowned National Academy of Sciences, and meet with national leaders. Top winners will be announced in March.