[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MICHAEL VICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2000

  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this 
time to acknowledge the accomplishments of one of Newport News, 
Virginia's hometown heroes, Michael Vick, who recently led the Virginia 
Tech Hokies to this year's Sugar Bowl. His leadership and humanity 
during this exciting battle of champions continue to make a lasting 
impression on the minds of many in Newport News and indeed throughout 
Virginia.
  Michael's talent on the field is more than evident. His remarkable 
athletic achievements as quarterback for the Hokies included being 
named Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of 
the Year, Player of the Year by Virginia's sports information directors 
for the Division I all-state football team, and being named to the all-
state team. To top off this impressive list, Michael led the Nation in 
pass efficiency and earned third place in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
  Although Michael has gained national prominence for his athletic 
achievements, he remains well aware that he is a role model to young 
people in the local community. As a graduate of Warwick High School in 
Newport News, he returns often to speak with young students. Michael 
encourages them to set goals and work hard to achieve success. In doing 
so, he displays humility and an appreciation for his own 
accomplishments. These are the same skills he champions on the field 
and in the classroom at Virginia Tech where he is a sophomore studying 
criminal justice.
  The City of Newport News will join with Michael's family and friends 
to salute him and celebrate his accomplishments throughout the weekend 
of March 17. These activities include a student assembly at his alma 
mater, where his high school football jersey number will be retired. 
The program also includes a recognition dinner and a community rally.
  In a time where we are inundated with negative media accounts of our 
Nation's youth and sports figures, Michael shines as a positive example 
that hard work, determination and perseverance do, in fact, equal 
success. Newport News will long remember his outstanding role as an 
athlete and a gentleman while leading the Hokies to a national 
championship game. I join with the citizens of Newport News, Virginia 
in looking forward to Michael's continued legacy of success.

                          ____________________