[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 25, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Sestak) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SESTAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable 
institution that stands as a center of academic and spiritual 
excellence in the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania. That 
the motto of this school is ``Pro Deo et Patria'' tells us much about 
its tradition and about the wisdom of its founders. That the school 
nickname is the Patriots tells us even more about the values and 
principles of its students, faculty, administrators, parents, and 
alumni. However, in the past year, this school has also established a 
new and unprecedented standard for athletic excellence. I am speaking 
of the community that is Archbishop John Carroll High School of the 
Philadelphia Catholic League.
  Last weekend, both the boys' and girls' basketball teams won their 
respective Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Athletic Association State 
championships. In that remarkable feat, the Archbishop Carroll coaches, 
players, trainers, parents, families, and fans fulfilled a covenant to 
one another. Well before the season began, they pledged that, although 
other teams might seem to have more advantage, none would ever out-
work, out-think, or out-cheer the Patriots of Archbishop Carroll.
  The people of the Philadelphia region are renowned for their 
knowledge of sports, and it is well established that championships are 
not won in a tournament. They are the products of thousands of hours of 
practice, conditioning and study long before the first game. 
Thereafter, championships are won by the team that establishes the 
strongest bonds of trust and respect among one another and the ability 
to overcome every adversity. Throughout a grueling season of 62 games, 
the young men and women of both teams showed that the physical and 
mental preparation, teamwork and, above all, character are rewarded.
  Archbishop John Carroll High School offers faith- and values-based 
education under the leadership of President Reverend William E. Grogan 
and Principal David R. Dickens that confirms the wisdom of the great 
John Wooden, who remarked, ``I always tried to make clear that 
basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison 
to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly 
wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. 
Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles 
and goes nowhere.''
  Mr. Speaker, the young men and women we honor today are on the right 
course. They are on course in a journey to lead, to teach, to solve 
difficult problems in the arts, sciences, businesses, and most 
importantly, to raise wonderful children who will carry on the proud 
traditions of Archbishop John Carroll High School.
  To the players of these magnificent teams and their classmates, this 
Chamber and our Nation wish you Godspeed on your journey. We are proud 
to know you, and look forward to even greater challenges and victories 
that await you.

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