[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 4912-4913] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MIAMI NORLAND HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM: STATE CHAMPIONS ______ HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 4, 2006 Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Miami Norland Vikings, the 2006 6-A High School Boys Basketball Champions of Florida. On March 4, 2006 this team proved its mettle, resilience and fighting spirit by upending the state's No. 1-Ranked team, Winter Park High School, in a thrilling 55-48 championship game. Several lead changes marked the game, which may well be remembered as one of the most exciting contests ever in a 6-A high school basketball competition. Winning a State Championship in a state as large as Florida is a tremendous achievement, and I commend Miami Norland's great Principal, Ms. Gale Cunningham, Assistant Principal for Athletics Stephon Cone, Athletic Director Ira Fluitt, Athletic Trainer Pete Martz and Business Manager Carlos Ochoa for the fine work they've done. Miami Norland is a special school; this first-ever state basketball championship has made it even more so. I also want to congratulate the school's basketball coach, Mr. Lawton Williams III. His work ethic, discipline and dedication to hard work and fair play paved the way for accomplishment both in the classroom and on the court. Known for his no-nonsense approach and forthright guidance and counseling, Coach Williams has surrounded himself with an excellent staff composed of assistant coaches Cleveland Roberts III, Victor Vassell, Charles Harris III, Chris Jarrett and scorer Gail Thomas. Their knowledge, experience and sensitivity to the many and varied nuances of sporting activities befitting the school ambiance superbly complement and supplement the learning needs of the school's champion student-athletes: Albert Abrahams, Anthony Berkley, Darius Bodden, Amir Celestine, Timothy Cornelius, Johnny Fernandez, Andre Jackson, Jerry Jones, Calvin Joy, Zachery Peacock, Denzel Rankin, Robert Rowe, Nicholas Taylor and Andre Woods. [[Page 4913]] The coaching staff's approach to educating and motivating the members of Florida's 6-A Championship Team emphasized utmost personal responsibility toward the achievement of a common goal. Their dedication to teamwork and group achievement above individual glory or personal records has gained the respect and admiration of the parents and guardians of Miami Norland's student population. Miami Norland's achievement this year demonstrates once again that athletic achievement and academic excellence are always within reach of those willing to dare the impossible through hard work and discipline. I join our entire community in congratulating the Vikings for their achievement, as well as honoring the hard work and sacrifices of the parents, teachers, administrators, students and supporters that comprise the soul and spirit of the school family. ____________________