[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING LANGLEY HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the administration, 
teachers, coaches, and athletic training staff of Langley High School 
in McLean, Virginia for the care and compassion they showed in helping 
one of their students detect, cope, and ultimately recover with vigor 
and honor from an aggressive form of cancer.
  In a world that charts success in reaching goals and milestones, 
Langley High School more than `measures up.' Although this AAA school 
is consistently ranked among the best in the country, their care and 
attention exemplified by their role in Maureen Marsh's life tells a 
deeper story, holding lessons for everyone to learn from and follow.
  As a 14 year-old freshman volleyball player, Maureen continued her 
intense daily regimen even as her knee pain grew more severe. Despite 
the doctors' diagnoses as growing pains, the Langley training staff 
noticed a small bump that the doctors had missed. The bump was 
osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. Maureen endured months of 
intensive chemotherapy and limb-salvage surgery that resulted in her 
needing to re-learn how to walk. This tall, quiet young woman had clear 
goals: to stay on track with her schoolwork and to once again play 
volleyball, something the doctors said would never happen. Most of all, 
she wanted to be a `normal' kid, not easy when you are literally 
fighting for your life.
  The team at Langley understood Maureen's wishes and gave her 
everything she needed during a battle that this young warrior 
conquered, defying the odds and her doctors' prognostications. Now a 
junior, she is an honor student and has returned to the volleyball 
court.
  At a time when we could all use some good news, I am proud to 
recognize all of the staff at Langley for their outstanding work, going 
far beyond what can be measured quantitatively, to lift up and support 
those in their tutelage. To Principal Matt Ragone, Vice Principal Fred 
Amico, Volleyball coaches Sue Shifflett and Amy Dean, the Langley 
training staff, administration, and the wonderful teaching staff, I am 
pleased to take this opportunity to honor your service to our children, 
as they are our future.

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