[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 58 (Friday, May 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO THE THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Thomas 
Jefferson Girls' Varsity Basketball Team, champions of the 2006 Public 
School Athletic League of New York City, Girls Varsity Basketball--B 
Division. In one year, under the direction of Head Coach Calvin Young, 
Assistant Coach Unique Nelson, Assistant Coach Helms, and Student 
Manager Natoya Sylvester, the Lady Orange Wave excelled to a regular 
season record of 15 wins and only three losses, while going undefeated 
with 5 more victories in the city playoffs.
  I also want to especially recognize the work of Athletic Director, 
Fred Landron; Principals Michael A. Alexander, Ms. Almonte, Ms. Gibbs, 
Mr. Palmer, and Ms. Lawrence; and Superintendent Varleton McDonald. 
These educators have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and 
accountability not only in athletic programs, but in academic 
departments as well. In addition, Coaches Young, Nelson and Helms have 
instilled a team first approach and a tough regimen of discipline and 
no excuses that has lead to the team's current success.
  However, academics have not taken a backseat. 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.
  Moreover, long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball 
dribbled, the members of the 2006 Lady Orange Wave: Crystal Berry, 
Chanell Bracker, Shaequana Brathwaite, Raven Cumberbatch, Wuraola 
Dipeolu, Esther Farmer, Elisabeth Ferby, Melonie Jones, Takima Lucky, 
Makini Manning, Shameek Pollard, Talaya Robinson, and Chrysty Taylor 
will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by 
their coaches, teachers and administrators at Thomas Jefferson High 
School.
  I am certain the 2006 Lady Orange Wave's experiences in basketball 
and their days at Thomas Jefferson will guide them through life's 
journey and there will be more achievements to come.
  Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of 
the 2006 Lady Orange Wave, and the work of their coaches, teachers and 
administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

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