[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO THE EAST NEW YORK FAMILY ACADEMY GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the East New 
York Family Academy Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. They are champions 
of the 2006 Girls Varsity Division VIII-B of the Public School Athletic 
League of New York City. Under the direction of Head Coach Earl S. 
Mitchell, Assistant Coach Eddie Barron, and Managers Rayon Clarke, 
Shakeema Mattocks and Bukky Odubanjo; the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'' excelled 
to an undefeated regular season record of 18 wins and no losses, while 
losing only one out of five games during the playoff season. 
Additionally, the East New York Family Academy Lady Eagles currently 
holds a record of two consecutive undefeated regular season.
  I want to especially recognize the work of Athletic Director, John 
Cortese; and Principal Sheila Richards, who have worked hard to infuse 
excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletic programs, 
but in academic departments as well. At East New York Family Academy, 
it is truly a family affair. Coaches Mitchell and Barron have received 
a tremendous amount of inspiration from Tony Yard, the Head Coach of 
the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team and former member of the Panamanian 
Olympic Team, and from Donald Vanteerpool, the Head Coach of the Boys' 
Junior Varsity Basketball Team. Coach Mitchell is deeply appreciative 
of these coaches for teaching his team to respect the fundamentals of 
the game and for always being there when needed.
  Although athletics are important, 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. As an example, two players rank in the Top 10 of their senior 
class and four members of the starting five have received college 
acceptance offers.
  Long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, 
the members of the 2006 ``Lady Eagles'': Naledi Anderson, Alana 
Arthurs, Veldina Chaunce, Karanja Craigg, Tiffan Dugue', Tabrese 
Harris, Ayana James, Shada Jordon, Dalkeitha Layne, Shamika Mcintosh, 
Krista Mitchell, Tashanya Morris, and Tara Powell will benefit from the 
leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers 
and administrators at East New York Family Academy.
  I am certain that in the days to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady 
Eagles'' will build upon their experiences in basketball and their days 
at the East New York Family Academy and there will be more achievements 
to come.
  Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of 
the 2006 ``Lady Eagles,'' and the work of their coaches, teachers and 
administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today.

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