[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING THE FORT WALTON BEACH HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS AS 1A EXTRA 
                 LARGE VARSITY DIVISION STATE CHAMPIONS

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the 
First Congressional District of Florida's Fort Walton Beach High School 
Vikings for winning the Extra Large Varsity 1A Division State title at 
the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Cheerleading State 
Championship on January 31, 2014. This victory marks Fort Walton Beach 
High School's 10th state title at the FHSAA Cheerleading State 
Championship.
   Truly an outstanding team effort put forth by all twenty-nine 
members, under the leadership of their talented coaches, Ms. Rachel 
Pritchard and Ms. Natalie Schmidt, there is no question that several 
performances contributed to the overall title. Even weather delays 
could not dampen the young men and women's motivation and 
concentration. When they finally took the stage in Kissimmee, the 
Vikings excelled at the competition. They scored 92.65 out of 100 in 
the preliminaries before claiming their victory in the Extra Large 
Varsity division and before hurrying back to Fort Walton Beach High 
School to cheer on the Girl's Basketball team in the District Finals.
   I commend the young men and women of the cheer team--Alexa Allen, 
Kate Blanchard, Kacie Daugherty, Ammilia Dubbs, Alexus Flores, Sidney 
Freeman, Alexa Gaddis, Mary Gashaw, Niki Grater, Jesi Harrell, Ashley 
Holz, Kristin Hyder, Justice Jones, Lindie Landinham, Tyla Lane, 
Natalie Lawson, Kaycee Lewis, Jamie Miglionico, Cathryn Palenske, 
Ashley Pullen, Jordyn Purifoy, Bailey Rathmann, Cassidy Raven, Alexus 
Richardson, Lauren Rigdon, Hannah Robertson, Darien Shoults, Hannah 
Steece, and Courtney Triplett--for both challenging themselves and 
setting an example for their fellow students and youth in our 
community.
   Fort Walton Beach High's victory at the Florida High School Athletic 
Association Cheerleading State Championship is a testament to the 
commitment and dedication of all the members of the team, and it is a 
great reflection on the entire Fort Walton Beach and greater Northwest 
Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife 
Vicki and I congratulate the Vikings for this extraordinary 
accomplishment and wish them continued success.

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