[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WARREN HIGH SCHOOL'S TRIUMPHANT SEASON

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                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, educating our young people is arguably as 
important as any issue we deal with not only in the halls of Congress, 
but also in our everyday lives as parents and as members of our 
respective communities. Each day, our children learn important lessons 
in the classroom that will prepare them for the days and years ahead, 
and we must make sure that they are given the tools they need to 
compete in the 21st Century.
  In addition to work in the classroom, another important aspect of the 
school experience that can play a valuable role in the academic as well 
as social development of a young person is athletics, teaching the 
values of teamwork, leadership, dedication and perseverance. In that 
spirit, I would like to recognize and congratulate a high school 
football team in my congressional district that exemplified those 
qualities, the Warren High School Lumberjacks in Warren, Arkansas, who 
recently won their school's first AAA Boys High School State Football 
Championship.
  The Lumberjacks captured the championship in a thrilling 45-39 
victory over the defending state champion, punctuating a perfect 15 and 
0 season. The game was highlighted by a gifted performance by a young 
man named Reid McKinney, who earned honors as the game's most valuable 
player. McKinney displayed great talent and leadership exemplary of all 
his teammates on both sides of the ball, throwing three touchdowns and 
running for three more, including a fumble recovery for a touchdown 
that sealed the game.
  Their impressive 26-year-old head coach, Bo Hembree, led and inspired 
his team to perform at a championship level throughout the season. With 
each game, these young men demonstrated amazing hard work, dedication, 
and character. I commend the entire team and the coaching staff both 
collectively and as individuals for a remarkable season, and I applaud 
Coach Hembree for instilling in his players the characteristics of 
leaders and champions that they will be able to draw from for the rest 
of their lives.
  These students and their success are a tribute to their parents, 
their school, and the entire Warren community. Not only the coaches and 
players, but also the band, cheerleaders, students, teachers, and all 
those who supported this team can take pride in their role in bringing 
about this accomplishment. I congratulate Warren High School and the 
city of Warren as they celebrate this momentous achievement.

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