[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 13, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
                         PIERCE COUNTY FOOTBALL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
Pierce County Bears who won the Georgia High School Association class 
2A football State championship yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia.
  This win is the second State championship for the Bears and Coach 
Ryan Herring, and it was not earned easily. This game was tied 14-14 
all going into halftime, and it didn't get any easier from there.
  The Bears had to fight to the very end, eventually sealing the 
victory in triple overtime.
  Pierce County quarterback, Caden McGatha, was phenomenal in this 
victory throwing for two touchdowns to receiver Carson Sloan and 
running for an additional four touchdowns himself.
  The Pierce County defense was also outstanding, sacking the opposing 
quarterback six times.
  To the Pierce County Bears and to Coach Ryan Herring, I say 
congratulations on this amazing win. This team earned this 
championship, it was not given to them.


                  Remembering Pastor Clarence Williams

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of 
Reverend Dr. Clarence Williams who passed away at the age of 64.
  Dr. Clarence Williams was a Savannah resident and a longtime pastor 
of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah.
  In addition to his work leading Pilgrim Baptist Church of Savannah, 
Pastor Williams previously served as the moderator of Berean Missionary 
Baptist Association, vice president of the National Baptist Convention, 
music auxiliary, State music director of the General Missionary Baptist 
Convention of Georgia, and many other positions.
  He also served as chaplain of Chatham County Sheriff's Department and 
the Savannah State University National Alumni Association.
  Pastor Williams will be remembered by many for his charismatic 
personality, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to serving 
others.


             Celebrating the Achievements of Ronald Booker

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
achievements of Ronald Booker, a Savannah resident.
  After spending 34 years as head basketball coach for the Beach High 
School women's basketball team, Ronald Booker was named the special 
assistant to the head coach for the women's basketball team at Savannah 
State University.
  During his career, Coach Booker led the Lady Bulldogs to 12 
subregional championships and made 30 State championship basketball 
tournament appearances. His teams were ranked by The Atlanta Journal-
Constitution in the State's top 10 teams for 26 seasons.
  He concluded his coaching career--get this--with a 786-190 overall 
record.
  In his honor, the city of Savannah has decided to name a portion of 
Hopkins Street in front of Beach High School Coach Ronald Booker Way.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Booker on his remarkable achievements 
and on his well-deserved honorary designation.


                     Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club in Savannah, 
Georgia.
  The Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club was started by Frank Callen in 
1917, and the club was accepted into the national organization in 1922.
  Since its inception, this club has served Savannah youth by being a 
safe place to learn and a safe place to play. It also serves as the 
home of some world-class athletes.
  LSU basketball star, Flau'jae Johnson and University of Georgia 
football star Nolan Smith are both proud alumni of the Frank Callen 
Boys & Girls Club. Both of these amazing athletes have graduated to 
winning national championships in their respective sports, and they 
have not forgotten their roots. Both have recently made generous 
donations to the place where they got their start.
  I also thank Mark Lindsay who serves as the executive director of the 
club. People like Mark are essential in the development of our youth 
and our communities as a whole.
  I, again, thank everyone involved with the Frank Callen Boys & Girls 
Club for the positive impact they are having on our community.

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