[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 63 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2363-H2364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF METRO CITY KIDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pastor 
Terry and Reverend Cynthia Horn on celebrating their 50th anniversary 
of active children's ministry aimed at teaching good citizenship, along 
with biblical moral values.
  Dr. Terry Horn, as you can see here beside me, is affectionately 
known as Uncle Sam, and he and his wife Cynthia began their ministry, 
as I said, 50 years ago to teach Christ's love, hope, and healing in 
poverty stricken areas. The Horns have brought the Gospel message to 
major cities throughout the United States before finally being called 
to relocate to Jacksonville in 2011. It is that time that I was sheriff 
in Jacksonville, Florida, and got to know their program well.
  Their current organization, Metro City Kids, is a faith-based mission 
serving Jacksonville's inner-city children. Their efforts have had 
notable and tangible importance in our northeast Florida community. 
Metro City Kids works to connect children living in public-assisted 
housing to Christ and encourages them through weekly mentoring, Bible 
study, and prayer to live a Christian lifestyle. The Duval County's 
Sheriff Office, which I was sheriff, reported that juvenile crime in 
public housing areas where Metro City Kids operated saw a 40 percent 
reduction in their first 5 years of service. That was an amazing, 
amazing accomplishment.
  Metro City Kids' impact on Jacksonville is far-reaching, and hundreds 
of children and families have been blessed by their dedication to our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Terry Horn, ``Uncle Sam,'' and his wife, 
Reverend Cynthia Horn, for their ministry in the parts of our community 
that were most in need. Their investment in our next generation has 
made northeast Florida a safer, more loving place to live, and I thank 
them for that.


  Congratulations to Ponte Vedra High School and Creekside High School

  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the exemplary 
athletic achievement of the girls' soccer teams from Ponte Vedra High 
School and Creekside High School, both located in my district.
  On Saturday, March 2, these two varsity teams became 2024 Florida 
High School Athletics Association State champions, following playoff 
wins at the Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Florida.
  The Ponte Vedra Sharks won the Class 6A State championship against 
East Lake High School with a pair of second-half goals. Hadley Conway, 
Jenny Dearie, and Elle Anderson scored for the Sharks, earning them a 
3-1 victory.
  Over the course of the team's five playoff games, Ponte Vedra 
outscored their opponents 22-2. I have to mention

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that this is the fourth State championship for Ponte Vedra's powerhouse 
soccer program since the school's inception in 2009, all under amazing 
Coach Dave Silverberg.
  Now, the Creekside Knights triumphed over Boca Raton in the Class 7A 
league, also securing their spot as State champions. This is the second 
time in that program's history that the Knights have claimed the title, 
both in the past 3 years, again under amazing Coach Joe Soto's 
leadership. Goals from Chloe Iliff and Sarah Weisberg cemented the 
well-deserved 2-1 win that concluded their fantastic season.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to congratulate the hardworking 
student athletes of Ponte Vedra and Creekside High Schools for their 
great achievements. I thank Coaches Silverberg and Soto, their parents, 
the entire Ponte Vedra and Creekside communities for supporting these 
champion athletes. Florida's Fifth Congressional District is truly 
proud to have such determined and dedicated students. I wish them the 
best in their continued endeavors, and I wish both of their programs 
great success.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________