[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH TREY GIBSON AND THE LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY 
                              DEBATE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Louisiana Tech University Debate Team for its continued success this 
academic year. Just last month, the debate team regained its national 
championship status and the team is poised to continue its success next 
season.
  The team's success is not accidental; the foundation of this team's 
success was established by hard work, determination, dedication and 
experience. At the helm of the Louisiana Tech Debate Team is Trey 
Gibson, a Louisiana native who came to Louisiana Tech in 2000. This 
year's team includes: Levy Leatherman, John Emory, Bill Willis, Kris 
Lucas, John McCorkle, Michelli McKnight, Matt LaCaze, Baileigh 
McClaran, Henry Shuler, Courtney McGuffee, Rachel Taylor, Kyle O'Neal, 
Taryn Branson, Kacey Richard, Nick Cordaro, Richie Robinson, Christina 
Linza and Reece Lewis.
  Gibson works tirelessly to promote this program and uses his talent, 
energy and drive toward developing articulate students. Long after 
these students graduate, Gibson's lessons and dedication will continue 
to surface as his students succeed in business and public service 
professions. By winning the national championship, the Louisiana Tech 
Debate Team also earned the prestigious Protagoras Cup. It is also 
important to note that this year's team faced the trials and 
tribulations that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita brought to our state. 
Most north Louisiana institutions of higher learning had to carry the 
burdens of finding space for our south Louisiana students from other 
universities, and all state universities had to address budget cuts. 
Through all of this, the team continued on its successful journey.
  Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to know that the academic honors these 
students have achieved will truly pay off for our nation. This type of 
training will enhance and strengthen each student's educational 
experience. I am thankful for professors like Trey Gibson, who exude 
energy and determination in the classroom. The fruits of his labor are 
evident in his team's storied success.

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