[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               RECOGNIZING THE FRANK HUGHES SCHOOL LIONS

 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a 
real-life Cinderella story that occurred at the Tennessee Secondary 
School Athletic Association Basketball State Championship. Despite an 
enrollment of just 93 students--one of the smallest high schools in the 
State--the Frank Hughes School Lions roared past the competition to 
become runners up in the Division I Class A tournament. The grit and 
determination of this team earned the praise of basketball fans across 
Tennessee--and for good reason: In the first three games of the 
playoffs, the team trailed their opponents by up to 19 points, only to 
come out victorious.
  Described as the town's ``heartbeat,'' this team was the pride of 
Clifton, TN, which was evident at the State tournament. The darlings of 
the competition, Frank Hughes School had not qualified in 40 years. As 
the players took to the court, every person and business in the city 
rallied behind them. When they finished as State runners up and 
accepted their trophy, the fans roared in a reception only fit for 
champions. A journalist remarked that the State tournament had emptied 
the town of Clifton.
  This success story is a testament to the incredible schools and small 
communities in Tennessee that are the heart of America. The Frank 
Hughes Lions showed that grit, determination, and no excuses will get 
you far in life. I congratulate the Frank Hughes Lions and the city of 
Clifton on a great year, and I look forward to their continued 
success.

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