[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 31 (Friday, March 5, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ABDULQAWI MOHAMED

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 5, 2010

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize both the 
athletic and academic achievements of an impressive young member of the 
Lackawanna community, Abdulqawi Mohamed.
  This past weekend Abdulqawi won the 103 lb weight class at the 
Division II Wrestling State Championship Tournament in Albany. 
Abdulqawi finished the season with an amazing record of 43 wins and one 
loss. His efforts made him the first New York State wrestling champion 
in the history of Lackawanna High School.
  With all of his accomplishments, I was amazed to hear Abdulqawi has 
only been wrestling for three years. His coaches, Jeff Michelle and 
Idreas Ahmed, have literally taught him everything he knows about his 
sport. In addition to wrestling, Abdulqawi is also a very talented 
soccer player.
  Athletics are an integral part of every young person's life; they 
teach us exactly what we can accomplish through hard work and 
dedication. However, without a solid academic background, athletics 
will only take you so far. Abdulqawi is currently in 11th grade at 
Lackawanna High School and, during his time there, has maintained a 
95.3 GPA. Indeed, Abdulqawi is not only a talented athlete but a gifted 
student as well.
  Abdulqawi and his family emigrated from the Republic of Yemen to the 
United States just three years ago. They are currently residents of 
Lackawanna's first ward. Abdulqawi and his family are a perfect example 
of the positive influence members of the Yemenite community are having 
on Lackawanna.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow Members to join me in congratulating 
Abdulqawi Mohamed for winning the first state wrestling championship in 
Lackawanna High School history as well as his equally impressive 
academic achievements.

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