Washington, D.C.- Senator Jim Risch met with and congratulated students from three Idaho schools who competed in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl over the weekend. The teams are from Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center in Boise, Grangeville High School and Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.

"These students are our state's best and brightest and they did a great job representing Idaho," said Risch. "I encouraged them to continue their excellence in the math and science fields. We need capable individuals in these areas to meet the technological challenges of the future."

The three Idaho teams are among thousands across the county who compete in regional science bowls. They were each awarded all-expense paid trips to compete in the National Finals in Washington, D.C. for winning at the regional level.

DOE created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics

and science and to pursue careers in these fields. DOE supports mathematics and science

education to help provide a technically trained and diverse workforce for the nation. More than

150,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl throughout its 19 year history.

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