[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E259-E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE KNOXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM FOR ITS WIN AT THE 
                           IDTA STATE FINALS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2020

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Knoxville 
High School Dance Team for its win at the Illinois Drill Team 
Association (IDTA) State Finals for Class A Kick Dance. The Knoxville 
High School Dance Team overcame significant adversity to win this title 
and I commend them for their hard work and dedication.
  After parting ways with two coaches who could not stay and coach the 
team, volunteer moms Tammy Myers and Jennifer Stoneking

[[Page E260]]

came on board to help high school captains Fionna Drake and Clara 
Ponder complete the season. The team practiced whenever they could, 
outside of their mandatory three lessons per week. Parents across the 
community opened their garages and other spare spaces to the girls for 
practice. The teamwork and dedication displayed by the moms, team 
captains and the dancers is remarkable and led them to victory at the 
IDTA State Finals. As a former athlete, I admire the fortitude the 
Knoxville High School Dance Team displayed to achieve their dreams of 
being state champions and I commend them for their efforts and can-do 
attitudes. I am proud to see them represent Knoxville so well 
throughout the state with their talent and passion.
  It is because of student leaders such as the Knoxville High School 
Dance Team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th 
Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally 
congratulate the Knoxville High School Dance Team on its victory at the 
IDTA State Finals in the Class A Kick Dance category.

                          ____________________