[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E523]]



 A TRIBUTE TO THE THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRL'S BASKETBALL TEAM, BROOKLYN, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Thomas 
Jefferson Girls' basketball team, champions of the class B division of 
the Public School Athletic League of New York City. In one year, under 
the direction of head coach Calvin Young and assistant coach Unique 
Nelson, the ``Lady Orange Wave'' excelled to a regular season record of 
15 wins and only 3 losses, while going undefeated with five more 
victories in the city playoffs.
  I want to especially recognize the work of superintendent Varleton 
McDonald and principal Michael A. Alexander, who have worked hard to 
infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletics 
programs, but in academic departments as well. In addition, coaches 
Young and Nelson have instilled a ``team first'' approach and a tough 
regimen of discipline and ``no excuses'' that has led to the team's 
current success.
  However, academics have not taken a backseat. To the contrary, in an 
era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in 
English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have 
demanded a high level of academic performance from team members. Long 
after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the 
members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will benefit from the 
leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers 
and administrators at Thomas Jefferson. I truly hope that in the days 
to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will build upon 
their experiences in basketball and their days at Thomas Jefferson.
  Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of 
the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave,'' the work of their coaches, teachers and 
administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

                          ____________________