[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 22 (Thursday, March 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE VICTORIA HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY CHEERLEADERS OF VICTORIA, 
                                 TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2000

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the winners of 
the National High School Cheerleading Championship sponsored by the 
Universal Cheerleaders Association held in Orlando, Florida--the 
Victoria High School Varsity Cheerleaders of Victoria, Texas. This 
victory follows a history of winning third place in 1997, and second 
place in 1998.
  By taking the championship in 1999, Victoria High became the first 
Texas squad to ever win the National Championship. With this second 
impressive win, the VHS Cheerleaders became the first squad in the 
nation to win back-to-back championships in the Medium Varsity Division 
of the UCA Nationals.
  The competition was fierce, with the Regional competition starting in 
November, 1999, when the squad's first place win put them in line to 
take on 65 of the best of the best in Nationals. The teen's first trip 
before the judges in the preliminary round earned them a shot at the 
national championship, where they gave a stellar performance, shutting 
out their competition consisting of the top 14 squads in the country.
  I am proud to recognize this very talented group of students for 
excelling in this very demanding sport. But I am equally proud to 
applaud their selfless efforts in representing their school through 
community service to the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, 
American Heart Association, and the Texas Zoo of Victoria. They visit 
local elementary schools and participate in pep rallies during Red 
Ribbon Week and TAAS week. Each student is also required to maintain an 
80 overall average while passing each class. They are to be commended 
for participating in these additional activities.
  National championships do not come along by accident. Many, many 
hours of practice and training must take place to achieve them. 
Leadership is also a key ingredient. I want to recognize the VHS 
teachers, Denise Neel and Terese Reese, who helped make this goal a 
reality. Additionally, I commend the parents of each cheerleader who, 
no doubt, contributed greatly to this success.
  This group of students deserve the honor they have earned. I commend 
each one of them: Laurie Beck--Co-Head Cheerleader, Amy Reinmann--Co-
Head Cheerleader, Vanessa Bludau, Amber Clemmons, Sara Dickson, 
Courtney Horecka, Haley Kolle, Lacey Reed, Amanda Rodriguez, Karla 
Sterne, Sarah Carville, Melissa Keefe, Chelsie Luhn, Julia McLarry, 
Rachel Schmitt, and Ashley Valentine.
  I am proud to have these two-time national champions in the 14th 
Congressional District of Texas, and trust all my colleagues join me in 
congratulating them on this impressive achievement.

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