[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13851]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       IN HONOR OF MICHELLE SIKES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Michelle Sikes, 
a member of the track and field team at Lakewood High School in Ohio. 
Michelle has been selected by the Cleveland Plain Dealer to be a part 
of their All-Star Girls Track Team as the distance runner for the 
Spring 2000 season.
  Michelle has demonstrated exceptional athletic ability and tremendous 
commitment to her sporting activities. This past Spring season, 
Michelle has become an integral part of Lakewood High School's track 
and field team. As a first time runner, she won the 3,200 meter race at 
the state meet with a time of 10 minutes, 45.11 seconds, making it the 
best time in the event in her area. In addition, she was the area's 
highest finisher in the 1,600 meters. Her time was 4 minutes, 53.95 
seconds. These impressive times mirror Michelle's commitment to 
responsibility. Her strong faith and belief in her abilities has 
enabled her to become one of the finest athletes in northern Ohio.
  Recognition by the Cleveland Plain Dealer of Michelle's 
accomplishments is an amazing honor because it acknowledges the hours 
of sacrifice and patience needed to cultivate stamina and perseverance, 
as well as excellence in teamwork and cooperation. More importantly, I 
am inspired by her motivation, poise, and good sportsmanship on and off 
the playing field. She is the quintessential model of grace under 
pressure. Yet, despite the hard work and competition, Michelle views 
everything as a new and exciting experience. Although Michelle is only 
a freshman in high school, I am impressed by such optimism and 
devotion. She is truly remarkable. I know that Michelle has much to 
offer. I look forward to offering more congratulations to this 
promising athlete in the future.
  My fellow colleagues, Michelle Sikes is an outstanding and 
inspirational individual. Please join me in honoring her notable 
accomplishments and achievements in track and field.

                          ____________________