[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE CENTRALIA COMPETITIVE DANCE TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2020

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centralia High 
School Competitive Dance Team for its first-place finish in the 2020 
Class 1A Illinois state dance competition.
  After the first day of competition, Centralia found itself in third 
place. By the thrilling conclusion of the event the next day, though, 
Centralia was hoisting the championship trophy.
  Centralia finished with 97.18 points, beating its nearest competitor 
by nearly a full point. The score would have been high enough to top 
Class 2A, as well. Teams are evaluated in categories such as 
choreography, difficulty of the music, technique, synchronization, 
staging, spacing, and showmanship.
  Centralia's victory is a testament to great coaching, hard work, 
skill, and raw nerve. The squad is coached by Bethany Lorenzini. Team 
members include Jestin Taylor, Andrew Johnson, Ali Moreno, Gracie 
Moore, Elijah Jones, Erica Burnett, Clara Peroo, Alyssa Smith, Katelyn 
Parker, William Collins, Destiny Wallace, Reed Mays, Kailynn 
Witherspoon, Cash Berry, Zoe White, and Sophia Schossler. Managers are 
Diamond Battle and Ece Polat.
  The state championship is the first in any IHSA competition for 
Centralia since it claimed the Scholastic Bowl during the 1990-91 
school year.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I stand to recognize the 
Centralia Competitive Dance Team and offer it my sincere 
congratulations on being state champion. I wish the team all the best 
in the future.

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