[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1532-E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 9TH ANNUAL LAKESHORE CLASSIC BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and respect that I 
recognize the Gary Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates 
the 9th annual Lakeshore Classic Basketball Invitational. In observance 
of this special event, the Gary Chamber of Commerce hosted a 
celebratory corporate luncheon at the Diamond Center in Gary, Indiana, 
on Monday, November 21, 2016, followed by the basketball invitational 
at West Side Leadership Academy on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, 
November 26, 2016.
   The theme for this year's Lakeshore Classic is ``Step Up for 
Education,'' which emphasizes

[[Page E1533]]

the importance of combining athletics, academics, and the significant 
role of teachers, parents, coaches, and community leaders in the 
educational processes. To enhance this vision, the Gary Chamber of 
Commerce chose David J. Johns, Executive Director for the White House 
Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, as a guest 
speaker for the corporate luncheon. This initiative works with federal 
agencies and partners nationwide to improve the range of educational 
programs for African Americans. David is not only passionate about 
empowering youth and conducting research to improve the perception of 
African American males, he is also heavily committed to educational 
improvement in the African American community. Through his passion and 
tireless contributions to education, Mr. Johns has proven to be an 
extraordinary advocate and example to all youth and is an inspiration 
to us all.
   At this time, I would like to recognize the schools who participated 
in the Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. These teams are 
dedicated to achieving academic excellence and to demonstrating 
exceptional sportsmanship. The participating teams include the Gary 
West Side Lady Cougars, Gary West Side Cougars, John Marshall Lady 
Commandos, John Marshall Commandos, East Chicago Central Cardinals, 
Thea Bowman Eagles, Charles A. Tindley Tigers, and the Griffith 
Panthers.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you to join me in recognizing the 
Gary Chamber of Commerce, as well as the organizers and sponsors of the 
9th annual Lakeshore Classic. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and 
dedication to our youth and Northwest Indiana is worthy of the highest 
praise.

                          ____________________