Boxer Asks President To Honor "Aca Deca" Champs

Washington, D.C.-U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today asked President Bush to invite El Camino Real High School's winning Academic Decathlon team to the White House. This year marks the team's third championship win. El Camino previously clinched the national title in 1998 and 2002.

"I hope the President will grant my request and invite the El Camino champs to the White House," said Boxer. "They have worked hard to achieve this remarkable accomplishment and would be thrilled to be personally congratulated by the President."

Senator Boxer sent a letter to President Bush to formally request the White House visit. A copy of the letter is attached.

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April 29, 2004

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am so proud that for the third time since 1998, California's El Camino Real High School students are the United States Academic Decathlon Champions. The hard work and perseverance demonstrated by the eight team members and their coaches make them role models for young people throughout the nation.

Following a tradition that began in 1999, I am asking that you invite the 2004 champions and their faculty to the White House in recognition of the tremendous victory these students have achieved. Last year's winning team visited the White House. I am certain that this year's team would be thrilled to have the same opportunity.

The Academic Decathlon's intense two-day national final competitions include multiple-choice testing in seven different events, speeches, essay-writing, and interviewing. The El Camino team competed against more than 360 other students from 39 U.S. states and a team from British Columbia. Their victory exemplifies commitment to academic excellence and teamwork.

I hope that you will join me and the many Californians celebrating the remarkable achievements of El Camino Real's exceptional students by inviting them to the White House. It would be my pleasure to assist in arranging this visit.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator