[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17483]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING PORTAGE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL FORENSIC TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 10, 2009

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Portage 
Northern High School Forensic Team on its eighth consecutive state 
championship at the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association state 
finals.
  Portage Northern's forensic program, led by Coach Laurel Scheidt, has 
a rich 44 year history with 11 state titles to its name. The team had a 
successful 2009 season with first-place finishes at every invitational 
and an excellent performance at both the district and regional 
competitions. At this year's state competition over 80 schools and 800 
students participated. The Northern team dominated the Class A 
division, qualifying the maximum 28 entries to the tournament with 45 
students. Northern collected a record 1,066 sweepstake points defeating 
second place finisher Birmingham Seaholm High School by over 330 
points.
  It is an honor to congratulate the entire 2009 Portage Northern 
Forensic Team and pay special tribute to first-place finishers Andrew 
Beckner, Spencer Dudd, John Kramer, Kasey McSoley, Brennan Mange, Bryce 
Maurer, Nich Mueller, Nathan Novaria, Brady O'Brien, Caitlin Utt, 
Allyson Williams and Amanda Willoughby.
  On behalf of all residents of southwest Michigan, congratulations 
again to the Portage Northern Forensic Team, Coach Laurel Scheidt and 
the entire Portage Community--you are an inspiration to us all. Go 
Huskies!

                          ____________________