[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 32 (Monday, March 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        JEREMY ROYAL: NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN AWARD WINNER

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I am proud to announce that Alabama's own 
Jeremy Royal is the recent recipient of Wendy's High School Heisman 
Trophy. Young Jeremy is a senior at Altamont High School in Birmingham, 
where he is valedictorian of the class of 1996. This is a truly 
remarkable honor, since Jeremy was one of over 8,000 nominees for the 
national award.
  The High School Heisman Trophy recognizes not only athletic 
achievement, but also all-around scholarship and citizenship, all of 
which Jeremy possesses in huge quantities. He is truly one of the 
leaders of his generation as we head into the next century.
  I ask unanimous consent that an article from the school paper, the 
Altamont News, be printed in the Record following my remarks. It tells 
of the remarkable achievements of Jeremy Royal which led to his 
selection as the High School Heisman Trophy winner. I join his family, 
friends, teachers, coaches, and school officials in congratulating him 
and wishing him all the best for what appears to be a bright and 
limitless future.
  There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                 [From the Altamont News, Winter 1996]

                 Jeremy Royal Wins High School Heisman

                          (By Sarah Whiteside)

       The philosopher Socrates believed that physical and mental 
     fitness were a duty both to oneself and to the polis. Jeremy 
     Royal, valedictorian of the class of '96 and winner of the 
     Wendy's High School Heisman Trophy, exemplifies this Socratic 
     ideal. This award, which emphasizes scholarship, athletics, 
     and citizenship, recognizes Jeremy's contributions both to 
     the Altamont community and to the community at large. The 
     committee of judges, after rigorous competition from a field 
     of over 8,000 nominees, selected Jeremy for this national 
     honor.
       Among Jeremy's academic honors are the Yale Book Award, 
     which is given annually by the faculty to an outstanding 
     junior; the Smiley Award, which recognizes the most 
     outstanding sophomore; and the Scholastic Award, which he has 
     earned each year. In addition, he was named a National Merit 
     Semi-Finalist. Jeremy has achieved these notable academic 
     honors while maintaining a rigorous athletic program in 
     tennis, basketball, and soccer. His skill, dedication, and 
     determination have resulted in outstanding personal and team 
     records in all three sports, as well as in his serving as 
     team captain and in receiving Most Valuable Player awards.
       Jeremy's commitment to community is just as strong as his 
     commitment to academics and athletics. Within the Altamont 
     community he has served each year as student council 
     representative, as director of the Forum for Cultural 
     diversity, as a member of the Honor Society, and as Latin 
     Club president. His contributions to the larger community 
     include serving as Make-a-Change volunteer for the National 
     Council of Christians and Jews and as a delegate to Anytown, 
     participating in the Birmingham Youth Leadership Forum, and 
     volunteering as a counselor at a camp for pediatric cancer 
     patients.
       Jeremy's classmates and teachers were delighted and 
     thrilled with the national recognition of his accomplishments 
     and dedication. But we were not surprised, for we knew that 
     there could be no other student in the country so deserving 
     of the Heisman Trophy.

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