[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 31 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING LOYOLA SACRED HEART SPEECH AND DEBATE

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, on January 27 and 28, a remarkable group of 
students from Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula, MT, won the 
State B-C Title for Speech and Debate. This is the 23rd consecutive 
State championship for this squad. I rise today to congratulate this 
team on their hard work and success.
  Loyola's accomplishment is truly remarkable. Out of 50 schools 
competing at the State Tournament, Loyola's squad of 26 students scored 
167 points. Twenty-one of these twenty six earned medals. And Paul 
Stergios and Paul Dallapiazza were the State champions in team debate, 
while Dan Evans took home the gold in extemporaneous speaking.
  These events, which focus on current events and policy, are a 
fantastic educational tool for students to learn about their world and 
their government. In fact, I have several former Montana team debaters 
on my staff, including a former State champion in team debate.
  By winning its 23rd straight State championship, the Loyola Sacred 
Heart speech and debate team extends its State record for the most 
consecutive titles in any division in any activity. A lot of things 
have changed since they won their first title in 1984, but the success 
enjoyed by Loyola Sacred Heart in speech and debate has remained 
consistent. Since 1981, over 1,000 students have competed for Loyola 
Sacred Heart and the team has produced 34 individual State champions 
and over 225 medalists.
  Students competed in two debate events--team debate and Lincoln-
Douglas debate--and seven individual public speaking events--
extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, original oratory, 
memorized public address, expository speaking, serious oral 
interpretation of literature, and humorous oral interpretation of 
literature.
  I congratulate head coach Matt Stergios and his team for their 
continued success in attaining their 23rd consecutive State title. Matt 
has coached the team since 1981. His daughter Sarah won gold last year, 
and his son Paul won this year.
  Loyola Sacred Heart Speech and debate 39-person divisional and State 
team roster: Michael Breuer, Mary Callahan-Baumstark, Nick Corn, Paul 
Dallapiazza, Jason Dark, Justin Dart, Miles Dauterive, Erin Demerle, 
Jasen Devoe, Liz Diehl, Ryne Dougherty, Brian Doyle, Kyle Doyle, Matt 
Eddy, John Eikens, Dan Evans, Andrew Fortunate, Brian Geer, Sarah 
Giuliani, Megan Hess-Homier, Joe Hurd, Julie Hurd, Erik Kappelman, 
Tricia Karsky, Ian Kefler, Emilie Loran, Kathleen Lowery, Emily 
Mihalic, Nick Mihalic, Katie Neher, Alice Phoenix, Charlie Pritchard, 
Mariah Rys-Sikora, Joe Sanders, Paul Stergios, Will Taylor, Madison 
Unsworth, James Winegart, and Chris Yoder.
  Head coach: Matthew Stergios
  Assistant coaches: Sarah Jennings, Charles Hansberry, Theresa 
Stergios and Jessica Weinert.

                          ____________________