[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW DANIELS, SENIOR AT FAYETTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL IN 
                         FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

   Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
young man from Fayetteville in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District who 
has excelled in the classroom and on the playing field.
   For more than 17 years, the National Alliance of African American 
Athletes has honored young men who exemplify the best in sports and 
education.
   This year, the top honor, called the Franklin D. Watkins Award, will 
go to a constituent of mine, Matthew Daniels, a senior at Fayette 
County High School.
   Considered one of the best defensive backs in the country, Matthew 
has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. He is a member of the 
Beta Club, the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian 
Athletes and other worthy community groups.
   ``This remarkable young man is unquestionably a premier scholar-
athlete in a time when very few kids in the country can barely stay 
academically eligible,'' said a spokesperson for the National 
Association of African American Athletes. ``Matthew lends inspiration 
to a younger generation that it is possible to achieve perfection in 
sports and in the classroom.''
   Matthew will represent Fayette County High proudly next year as an 
alumnus when he enrolls at Duke University on a full athletic 
scholarship.
   ``Among all my achievements and honors in high school, this award is 
the most memorable I must say,'' Matthew said after receiving the award 
earlier this year at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Calif. 
``This is the only award that acknowledges me for both my academic and 
athletic achievements.''
   Winners of the award are highly encouraged to use their time and 
talent to give back to the less fortunate in their communities.
   ``On the field, I want to work to become a freshman All-American 
next season.'' Daniels told a reporter. ``Off the field. I want to 
leave a path so others know it can be done.''
   On behalf of everyone in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District, I 
want to congratulate Matthew Daniels on this prestigious award. We're 
proud that he's part of our community.

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