[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2]]
           JUNCTION CITY HIGH SCHOOL'S RECORD-SETTING SEASON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of December 13, 2003, at War 
Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, the Junction City High School Dragons 
team made history by capping off a perfect 15-0 season and winning its 
first Class AA state football championship. It was celebrated by a 
community, which braved the winter conditions to see the culmination of 
a record-setting season. This team personifies the spirit of 
determination and hard work that has always distinguished Arkansans.
  As a parent, I understand the demands that our young people face. As 
members of the community, we are all aware that education is as 
important as any other issue we face. Each day, our children learn 
lessons in the classroom that will prepare them for the days and years 
ahead, and we work hard to see they are given the tools they need to 
compete and succeed in life. The success of the Junction City High 
School football program exemplifies how the lessons learned on the 
field of competitive athletics can often supplement the education 
learned in our classrooms. I have long been an advocate of athletics 
and extracurricular activities as those activities broaden academic 
excellence by instilling leadership, character, and teamwork in its 
participants.
  At a time when our country needs youth leadership more than ever, 
this team has answered the challenge and set a course that can serve as 
an example for us all. Along with the school's first-ever championship, 
the records compiled by this team are truly impressive: An all-time 
state scoring record, the longest winning streak in school history, and 
the most wins in school history. It's about more than records or 
trophies. Championships are won in the heart as much as on the field. 
The will to overcome adversity, the daily drive to succeed, and the 
mental toughness to perform under pressure carried these young men 
during their championship season, and will provide them with a well to 
draw from throughout their entire lives.
  It brings me a great deal of pleasure to again congratulate the 
Junction City High School football program on their tremendous season 
and first-ever Class AA High School Football Championship. We all take 
pride in you and all you have accomplished.

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