[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 182 (Friday, November 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE GARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE 11TH ANNUAL LAKESHORE 
                                CLASSIC

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2018

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I recognize 
the Gary Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates the 11th 
annual Lakeshore Classic basketball invitational. In observance of this 
special event, the Gary Chamber of Commerce will host a celebratory 
corporate luncheon at the Diamond Center in Gary, Indiana, on Tuesday, 
November 20, 2018, followed by the basketball invitational at West Side 
Leadership Academy on Friday, November 23, 2018, and Saturday, November 
24, 2018.
  The theme for this year's Lakeshore Classic, ``Step Up for 
Education,'' aims to support the importance of fostering education for 
the continued success of student athletes throughout the region. The 
Gary Chamber of Commerce has chosen Mr. LaTroy Hawkins, a Gary native 
and retired professional baseball player, as the keynote speaker for 
the luncheon. Born and raised in Gary, LaTroy graduated from West Side 
High School in 1991 and was drafted straight out of high school. In 
1995, he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut, playing for the 
Minnesota Twins. Throughout his outstanding twenty-one-year big league 
career, LaTroy played for several teams and established an impressive 
resume. A testament to his preparation, determination, and talent, Mr. 
Hawkins became only the 13th pitcher in the history of the league to 
record a save against every team in baseball. He also ranks 10th on the 
all-time appearances list having pitched in 1,042 games, placing him in 
special company among baseball's greats. LaTroy Hawkins retired from 
baseball on October 25, 2015. For his truly impressive career, Mr. 
Hawkins was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame earlier 
this year.
  Mr. Hawkins and his beloved family consistently devote much of their 
time to charitable efforts throughout the community of Northwest 
Indiana and beyond by feeding the homeless, helping students attend 
college, assisting victims of domestic violence, and supplying uniforms 
and equipment to the athletic program at LaTroy's high school alma 
mater, West Side High School. LaTroy Hawkins has improved the lives of 
the youth in our communities, and his legacy will continue to have an 
unforgettable impact for generations to come.
  At this time, I would like to recognize the schools participating in 
the Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. These schools are 
dedicated to positively impacting Northwest Indiana through academic 
excellence and sportsmanship, and they are successful in their efforts. 
The participating schools include West Side Leadership Academy, John 
Marshall Metropolitan High School, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, 
George Washington High School, Theodore Roosevelt College and Career 
Academy, Calumet New Tech High School, and Michigan City Marquette 
Catholic High School.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in recognizing the Gary Chamber of Commerce, the 
organizers and sponsors of the 11th annual Lakeshore Classic, and the 
devoted volunteers who make this event possible. Their influence, 
passion, and dedication to our youth in Northwest Indiana are truly 
commendable.

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