[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2008-H2009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
(Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary
accomplishments of the Salem High School debate team, which recently
claimed its second consecutive VHSL Class 4 State championship with a
decisive 32-8 victory over Dominion High School. This victory marks the
20th State title for legendary Head Coach Mark Ingerson, 18 in speech
and forensics and now 2 in debate.
Salem's dominance was on full display as the team captured individual
State championships in three of four events. Senior captain Claire
Rawlins led the way with a perfect 6-0 record in Lincoln-Douglas
debate, tackling the timely question of artificial general
intelligence. With four career State titles and a remarkable 29-3
record, Claire's leadership is unmatched.
In public forum, seniors U.V. Singh and Grayson Smith went
undefeated, while sophomore Dylan Hancock earned Salem's first-ever
congressional debate title with near-perfect speaker scores. Several
other Spartans, including medalists Rebekah Steinweg, Luke Stovall,
Kody Hinnant, and Abby Jones also delivered outstanding performances.
Also competing for Salem were Charlie Bain, 12th grade, and Nesa
Garcia-Perez, 10th grade, in congressional debate, and Leah Johnson,
10th grade, and Ashley Toapanta, 10th grade, in policy debate. Students
London Basham, Harper Rocovich, and Caroline Loveday also competed
admirably at the regional and State semifinal levels.
Special thanks go to Assistant Coach Rachel Wurster for her guidance
and commitment to these students.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Salem High School debate team
for their achievements, integrity, and the example they set for
academic excellence in Virginia and beyond.
Congratulating the Skyline High School Wrestling Team
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate
the Skyline High School wrestling team on winning the 2025 Class 3
State wrestling championship, the first State title in the school's
history.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Kyle Symons and Assistant Coaches
Joe DiVello, Brian Scott, Alan Kroh, Jon DiVello, and Josiah Huston,
Skyline's 13 wrestlers delivered a historic performance, scoring 218
points and sending six athletes to the finals.
Congratulations to individual State champions Paden Alyea, Parker
Withers, and Josiah Sykes. In addition to the State champions,
medalists also included Jacob Buffum, Vinny DiVello, Joey DiVello, D.J.
Mabie, Cody Salomon, and Carter Huston, with strong performances from
Cody Davis, Aiden Boyles, Ryan Williams, and Tytus Drake.
Skyline defeated two-time defending champion Staunton River by 39.5
points, a testament to their talent, teamwork, and resilience.
Thanks to Coach Symons, his staff, and the incredible Front Royal
community, Skyline has made history. I am proud to honor their
achievements today.
{time} 1030
Congratulating the Spotswood High School Boys' Basketball Team
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredibly special
achievement of the Spotswood High School Boys' basketball team, which
captured the State championship title for the first time in 32 years.
This remarkable victory is a testament to their talent, hard work,
and perseverance. Under the leadership of Coach Edwards, rightfully
named VHSL Class 3A Coach of the Year, these young men came mentally
prepared and demonstrated the power of teamwork and determination to
bring home the school's second State trophy.
Their success has united our community in pride and celebration. We
congratulate the following team players: Cam Pacheco, senior guard
named Player of the Year; Tyler Sprague, named first-team Class 3A all-
State; Landon Davis; Rylan Baker; Reese Fisher; Will Parlee; Tsenat
Tesfay; Cayden Price; Camden Langridge; Colin Regan; and Brennyn
Stobbs.
We congratulate the Spotswood Trailblazers on this historic win. They
[[Page H2009]]
have made Spottswood proud. We can't wait to see what they accomplish
in the future.
Honoring National Police Week
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to
recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement who serve our
communities, our Commonwealth, and our Nation with honor and courage.
These officers are our friends and neighbors, men and women who wake
up each day, put on the badge, and willingly face danger to keep others
safe.
Earlier this week, in Bridgewater, I joined members of local law
enforcement and Commonwealth's Attorney Marsha Garst to honor those who
lost their lives in the line of duty. Since 1776, nearly 27,000
officers have made the ultimate sacrifice, including 165 last year and
25 so far this year. Their service and their sacrifice must never be
forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, the men and women of law enforcement represent the very
best of our communities. We are safer because of their commitment, and
we are grateful for their service. To every officer who serves, we
thank them, support them, and will continue to stand with them.
Celebrating National Small Business Week
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, last week was National Small Business Week, a
time to celebrate the millions of small businesses that form the
foundation of our economy and our communities. These men and women
aren't just entrepreneurs. They are job creators, innovators, and the
embodiment of the American Dream.
House Republicans and President Trump are fighting to make sure they
have the tools they need to thrive. That starts with making the 2017
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Those tax cuts are critical for small
businesses, with over 26 million relying on the 20 percent deduction to
grow, invest, and hire.
I hope we keep working to ensure small businesses can continue
driving American innovation and prosperity.
____________________