[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H7243-H7244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the James Wood 
High School volleyball team for their remarkable achievement in winning 
the Class 4 State championship. The Colonels have truly made history, 
claiming three consecutive State titles with their latest victory on 
November 23 in a five-set match against Courtland High School at the 
Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.
  The volleyball program has secured half of James Wood's total State 
titles in the school's 75-year history. During the championship match, 
the Colonels were led by two-time State player of the year Kennedy 
Spaid with 25 kills, 24 digs, and 4 aces. Alongside her, three-time 
first team all-State player Brenna Corbin had 21 kills, 23 digs, and 3 
blocks, while first-year varsity setter Kylee Plumb had 50 assists 
along with 15 digs and 12 service points. Their victory capped off a 
phenomenal season, bringing the record to 23-3 and an impressive 3-year 
total of 76-6.
  I want to recognize each player on this exceptional team: Kennedy 
Spaid, Reese Justice, Bella Middleton, Kylee Plumb, Adeline Pitcock, 
Kyla Wilhelm, Tenley Mattison, Katilyn Brannon, Giselle Norris, Abie 
Tenney, Brenna Corbin, and Claire Keefer. I also want to recognize the 
outstanding coaching staff: Head Coach Adrienne Patrick; Assistant Head 
Coach Brandy Corbin; and their managers: Ethan Germeyer, Ethan Montoya, 
Fielding Conway, and Kyleigh Bly.
  Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 James Wood High 
School volleyball team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is 
incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued 
success in the season ahead.


           Recognizing Loudoun Street Mall's 50th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loudoun 
Street Mall, also known as the Old Town Walking Mall in the city of 
Winchester.
  Over 50 years ago, a group of visionary store owners recognized a 
shift in shopping habits and the growing demand for convenient shopping 
spaces. In response, downtown businesses came together to close off two 
blocks of one of Winchester's busiest streets giving rise to the 
Loudoun Street Mall.
  This bold decision led to the formation of the Downtown Development 
Committee. Composed of Old Town businessowners, including Betsy Helm,

[[Page H7244]]

Irvin Shendow, Julius Armel, William Duncan, Lewis Ebert, Larry 
Goodyear, Ray Jennings, Frank Loy, Jimmy Wilkins, John Lewis, and David 
Juergens, who collaborated with city hall in the early 1970s to bring 
this vision to life.
  While the mall initially thrived, it faced challenges in the 1980s 
and struggled for decades. However, in 2013, a revitalization began, 
bringing new amenities and life back to the area. Today, the mall is a 
true treasure of the Winchester region and a hub for the community and 
tourism.
  From the first businessowners like Irvin Shendow of Bell's Fine 
Clothing, who served as chairman of the Downtown Development Committee, 
to then-State senator William Truban, who enabled legislation, to the 
current city and business leaders, the Loudoun Street Mall has become a 
top destination for residents and visitors alike.
  I am proud to represent the citizens of the city of Winchester, the 
Loudoun Street Mall in the Sixth District of Virginia, and I am 
confident it will continue to thrive for many years to come.


                Congratulating Sheriff Steve Funkhouser

  Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable leader 
and friend, Rockbridge County Sheriff Steve Funkhouser, as he prepares 
to retire on January 1, 2025.
  A proud native of Rockbridge County, Sheriff Funkhouser graduated 
from Natural Bridge High School. Inspired by his family's commitment to 
service, he dedicated his life to protecting our community and our 
country.
  For almost three decades, Sheriff Funkhouser honorably served with 
the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, starting his law enforcement 
career as a reserve deputy in 1996. He quickly rose through the ranks 
becoming a patrolman, investigator, lieutenant, and chief of patrol. In 
2019, he was elected as the sheriff of Rockbridge County and Lexington 
city, winning reelection overwhelmingly in 2023.
  Beyond his role as sheriff, he also served as a regional director for 
the Virginia Sheriff's Association and as an officer in the Virginia 
National Guard, retiring as a major after over 28 years of dedicated 
service. He has also contributed to the community by organizing 
Christmas shopping excursions for local residents of the Rockbridge 
County area.

  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sheriff Funkhouser's 
extraordinary commitment to our community and his nearly 30 years of 
service. I wish him and his family the very best in his retirement and 
in the next chapter of his life.

                          ____________________