[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 74 (Thursday, May 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE WEST FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL'S LADY JAGUARS AS CLASS 4A 
                        STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the 
First Congressional District of Florida's West Florida High School's 
girls softball team for winning the Class 4A State Championship. This 
victory marks the Lady Jaguars first ever state championship. West 
Florida High School ended their championship season with a record of 
29-1, with a victory over P.K. Yonge High School on May 8, 2014 in the 
Class 4A State Championship Game.
  Led by head coach Jessica Smith, pitching coach Angie Johnson, and 
assistant coach Gary Jackson, the Jaguars are a team of young women 
with tremendous persistence and passion. These attributes were on full 
display in the championship game when the Jaguars found themselves 
trailing by four runs and down to their last out in the 7th inning. 
Despite the long odds, the Jaguars refused to give up. A pivotal moment 
in the game occurred when the Navy's Blue Angels, home based at 
Pensacola Naval Air Station, could be seen flying over the field, which 
was located over 500 miles from Pensacola, in Vero Beach. As Coach 
Smith described, catching a glimpse of home both encouraged and sparked 
a special energy in the Jaguars, and they triumphed over P.K. Yonge 
with a score of 6 to 5.
  Winning the state championship is a true testament to the hard work, 
ambition, and dedication of the West Florida High School girls softball 
team. Each team member is an invaluable asset to both the Lady Jaguars 
and the local community. To be honored with the opportunity to bring 
home a state championship is a wonderful reflection of the team's 
commitment to Northwest Florida and to each other. I commend Korina 
Rosario, Kathleen Smiley, Jordaine Watkins, Nachelle Watson, Ali 
Cutaio, Kristin Gunter, Emily Loring, Kayla Miller, Breana Rogers, 
Danyelle Black, Maegan Freeman, Jibrasha Moore, Farrah Nicholas, Lauren 
Carnley, Jasmyn Nguyen, and EaIon Pyle for challenging themselves as a 
team and setting a shining example of camaraderie and athleticism for 
their fellow students and youth in Pensacola.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to recognize this outstanding group of young women and 
their devoted coaches for their extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki 
joins me in offering our best wishes to West Florida High School and 
its talented athletes for their continued personal and athletic 
success.

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