[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO RECOGNIZE THE FAIRFAX COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND THE 2012 
             FAIRFAX COUNTY FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Fairfax County Youth Football League and to congratulate the 2012 
Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame honorees.
  The importance of youth sports cannot be overstated. Participation in 
organized sports instills in our youth many values that will serve them 
well throughout life. These values include sportsmanship, teamwork, 
honesty, a sense of belonging, and maybe most important, the work ethic 
developed by striving for success and working to achieve a common goal. 
Organized youth sports also contribute to our society. Studies have 
shown a correlation between participation in sporting activities and 
increased academic performance. Some studies indicate that a reduction 
in gang activity can be partially attributed to refocusing at-risk 
children into organized, supervised activities such as youth sports.
  I commend the Fairfax County Youth Football League for providing 
opportunities for 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 22nd Annual Fairfax County Football 
Hall of Fame:
  Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees--Owen Schmitt 
(NFL Philadelphia Eagles, West Virginia University, Fairfax High 
School), Tom Verbanic (Fairfax High School and Westfield High School), 
and Angela Hay and Adam Wiles (Founder, Prince William County Clubs in 
FCYFL).
  Football Official of the Year--Youth Sports--Kanyon MacRae (Fairfax 
County Football Officials Association).
  Karl Davey Community Achievement Award--Jasmine Faubert (Volunteer, 
Herndon Optimist Club, FCYFL).
  Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award--Taylor Dixon (Community Outreach 
Specialist, Neighborhood and Community Use).
  Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award--Derrick Spearman (Fort 
Hunt Youth Football and Cheerleading).
  FCFHF $1,500 Scholarship Recipients: Dymond Cooper (Edison HS), 
Matthew Pisarcik (Westfield HS), Evan Jacquez (Madison HS), Michael 
Tobias (West Springfield HS).
  High School Players of the Year: Stephen Trivieri (Stone Bridge HS), 
Hayden Knudson (Hayfield HS), Devin Vandyke (South County HS), Ken 
Ekanem (Centreville HS), Erich ``Hunter'' Windmuller (Flint Hill 
School), John Byrd (Manassas Park HS).
  High School Coaches of the Year: Gerry Pannoni (South County HS), 
Chris Haddock (Centreville HS).
  Youth Sports Players of the Year: Aaron Lahah (Gainesville/Haymarket 
Football), Clark Thomas (VYI), Kenny Dodson (MYFL), Wiley Counts (VYI), 
Brandon Burdick (CYA), Hagan Biddison (SCAA), Brandon Hilton (Fort 
Belvoir Youth Sports), Hunter Baldwin (FHYAA), William Cusic (FHYAA), 
Zach Burdick (CYA), Nathanael Lomboy (APYFL), Benjamin Garcia (LFFL), 
Kyle Richbourg (SYA), Bryce Simpson (Alexandria Rec), Andrew Fall 
(BRYC), Tyler Scanlon (SYA).
  Youth Sports Coaches of the Year: Thomas Digges (MYF), John Hetzer 
(MYF), Jim McGrath (VYI), Steve Ross (LFFL).
  Youth Sports Cheerleaders of the Year: Lakyn Fearson (APYFL), Agnis 
Alessandrino (Herndon Optimists), Samantha Culin (SYI), Graciela Perez 
(SYA), Keenan Patricia Parker (VYI).
  Mr. 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 2012 Hall of Fame 
celebration.

                          ____________________