[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 41 (Tuesday, April 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MIAMI NORLAND HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM: 
                            STATE CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 4, 2006

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
Miami Norland Vikings, the 2006 6-A High School Boys Basketball 
Champions of Florida.
  On March 4, 2006 this team proved its mettle, resilience and fighting 
spirit by upending the state's NO.1-Ranked team, Winter Park High 
School, in a thrilling 55-48 championship game. Several lead changes 
marked the game, which may well be remembered as one of the most 
exciting contests ever in a 6-A high school basketball competition.
  Winning a State Championship in a state as large as Florida is a 
tremendous achievement, and I commend Miami Norland's great Principal, 
Ms. Gale Cunningham, Assistant Principal for Athletics Stephon Cone, 
Athletic Director Ira Fluitt, Athletic Trainer Pete Martz and Business 
Manager Carlos Ochoa for the fine work they've done. Miami Norland is a 
special school; this first-ever state basketball championship has made 
it even more so.
  I also want to congratulate the school's basketball coach, Mr. Lawton 
Williams III. His work ethic, discipline and dedication to hard work 
and fair play paved the way for accomplishment both in the classroom 
and on the court.
  Known for his no-nonsense approach and forthright guidance and 
counseling, Coach Williams has surrounded himself with an excellent 
staff composed of assistant coaches Cleveland Roberts III, Victor 
Vassell, Charles Harris III, Chris Jarrett and scorer Gail Thomas. 
Their knowledge, experience and sensitivity to the many and varied 
nuances of sporting activities befitting the school ambiance superbly 
complement and supplement the learning needs of the school's champion 
student-athletes: Albert Abrahams, Anthony Berkley, Darius Bodden, Amir 
Celestine, Timothy Cornelius, Johnny Fernandez, Andre Jackson, Jerry 
Jones, Calvin Joy, Zachery Peacock, Denzel Rankin, Robert Rowe, 
Nicholas Taylor and Andre Woods.
  The coaching staff's approach to educating and motivating the members 
of Florida's 6-A Championship Team emphasized utmost personal 
responsibility toward the achievement of a common goal. Their 
dedication to teamwork and group achievement above individual glory or 
personal records has gained the respect and admiration of the parents 
and guardians of Miami Norland's student population.
  Miami Norland's achievement this year demonstrates once again that 
athletic achievement and academic excellence are always within reach of 
those willing to dare the impossible through hard work and discipline.
  I join our entire community in congratulating the Vikings for their 
achievement, as well as honoring the hard work and sacrifices of the 
parents, teachers, administrators, students and supporters that 
comprise the soul and spirit of the school family.

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