[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E400-E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 20TH ANNUAL FAIRFAX COUNTY FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 
                                HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Fairfax County Youth Football League and to celebrate the 20th 
Anniversary of the Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame.
  The importance of youth sports cannot be overstated. Participation in 
organized sports teaches our youth many lessons that will serve them 
well throughout life. These invaluable lessons include sportsmanship, 
teamwork, honesty, a sense of belonging, and maybe most importantly, 
the work ethic instilled by striving for success and working to achieve 
a common goal. Organized youth sports also contributes to our society; 
studies have shown a correlation between participation in sporting 
activities and doing well in school. Some studies indicate that 
reduction in gang activity can be partially attributed to refocusing at 
risk youth into organized, supervised activities such as youth sports.
  I applaud the Fairfax County Youth Football League for the 
opportunities that they provide

[[Page E401]]

to all of our children to succeed and be a part of a team. I also 
congratulate the following students, coaches and community leaders who 
are being recognized at the 20th Annual Fairfax County Football Hall of 
Fame:
  Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2010 Inductees: Jason Witten 
(NFL Dallas Cowboys, University of Tennessee, Elizabethton High School, 
Vienna Youth Inc.), Nick Hilgert (Robinson HS), Richard Herman (Ft. 
Belvoir Youth Sports).
  Football Official of the Year--Youth Sports: John Page (Fairfax 
County Football Officials Association).
  Karl Davey Community Achievement Award: Solomon Thompson, Jr. 
(President, Blue Collar Objects, Inc.).
  Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award: Joe Swarm (Director of Student 
Activities, Marshall HS).
  Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award: Damian Caracciola 
(Southwestern Youth Association).
  FCFHF Awards $1,500 Scholarships: Greg Gadell (O'Connell HS), Cody 
Canard (Robinson HS), Nick Grinups (Westfield HS) and Emily Andrukonis 
(Fairfax HS).
  High School Players of the Year: Kevin Samson (Madison HS), Anton 
McCallum (Hayfield HS), Josh Hogan (Woodson HS), Brian Laiti (Robinson 
HS), Hunter Debutts (Episcopal HS), Bo Revell (Battlefield HS).
  High School Coaches of the Year: Mickey Thompson (Stone Bridge HS), 
Jim Poythress ( Lake Braddock HS).
  Youth Players of the Year--Youth Sports: Steven Steenson 
(Gainesville/Haymarket Youth), Tucker Harrell (McLean Youth Football), 
Connor McCulloch (Alexandria Recreation), Nicholas Render (Southwestern 
Youth Association), Devin Saunders (Ft. Belvoir Youth Football), 
Christopher Wilson (Manassas Youth Football), Nick Bruno (Dulles South 
Youth Sports), Greg Smith (Ft. Hunt Football & Cheerleading), Max 
Heinemann (Reston Youth Football), Jordan McIntyre (South County 
Athletic Assoc), Jake Jenkins (Gainesville/Haymarket Youth), Brendan 
McCarron (Springfield Youth Club), Michael Ficarra (Chantilly Youth 
Association), Tylar Thompson (Lee Franconia Football), Andrew Greer 
(Braddock Road Youth Club), Luke Kaplon (Braddock Road Youth Club).
  Coaches of the Year--Youth Sports: Dan Puhlick (Gainesville/Haymarket 
Youth), Brian Edwards (Manassas Youth Football), Chuck Martin (Gum 
Springs), Derek Wisnieski (Arlington Recreation).
  Cheerleaders of the Year: Kaylie Canestra- (Gainesville/Haymarket 
Youth), Imani Carpenter (Southwestern Youth Association), Morgan Clay 
(Gainesville/Haymarket Youth), Shannon Kelley (Herndon Optimist Club), 
Gabrielle Turner (- Dulles South Youth Sports).
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
Fairfax County Youth Football League as well as those students, coaches 
and community leaders who are being honored at this 2010 Hall of Fame 
celebration.

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