[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY DEBATE AND FINANCIAL 
                             PLANNING TEAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, it has been a year of remembrance 
for Fort Hays State University, which is in the midst of celebrating 
its centennial year. Few events provide greater reason to pause and 
appreciate the continuing excellence of this university than the 
accomplishments of the last week. In the course of one week the 
university claimed not one, but two national championships. I stand 
today to recognize this tremendous feat. It is truly an honor to 
represent such an outstanding institution.
  Two students from my own district, Joe Ramsey of Nickerson and Jason 
Regnier of Salina started this remarkable week by winning the Cross 
Examination Debate Association National Tournament. These students 
captured the individual team title and were honored as top speaker in 
the tournament. The team was challenged by opponents from a number of 
the country's most well known universities, however they proved that 
some of the brightest minds reside in western Kansas and at Fort Hays 
State University. I commend Joe Ramsey and Jason Regnier on their 
tremendous drive and resolve over the course of their competitive 
debate careers. Their success speaks highly of their talent and 
commitment, as well as that of their coach Dr. William Shanahan and 
teammates Brent Saindon and Paul Marbrey.
  Following the triumphant return of the debate team, three more 
students from my district were declared national academic champions. 
This time Sarah Evans of Garfield, Steven Sutter, of Abilene and 
Nicolette Zeigler of Mankato were honored for their victory at the 
American Express Financial Planning Invitational. This prestigious 
competition tests the financial knowledge of students at top 
universities from across the country. Once again, Fort Hays State 
University students proved themselves among the best in the country. I 
commend these students for their dedication and energy in preparing for 
and attaining this victory. It is a clear testament to their financial 
knowledge, motivation, and academic ability. I also offer my thanks to 
Dr. Thomas Johansen and Dr. Rory Terry for preparing this team so very 
well.
  It is a tremendous accomplishment to be recognized as the very best. 
This level of achievement would not have been possible without the 
leadership of President Edward Hammond and the support of many other 
members of the Fort Hays State University community.
  I congratulate the Fort Hays State University Debate and Financial 
Planning Teams on their victories. They have helped make the history of 
Fort Hays State University that much richer in this its centennial 
year.




                          ____________________