[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[EXTENSIO]
[Page 19155]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE PICAYUNE HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize a group of young men from Picayune, Mississippi who have 
fought tirelessly at reaching their goal of becoming Mississippi's 5A 
State Champions. I'm referring to Picayune Panthers High School 
football team.
  The leadership of a dedicated coaching staff paired with the 
commitment from tremendous student athletes, the Panthers overtook 
their opponents with a final score of 42-35, earning them the state 
title and ending their winning season with a record of 12-2.
  This team calls themselves ``The Maroon Tide'' and for good reason. 
These student athletes face hardships, physically and mentally, in 
balancing their school work, attending countless practices, and 
spending time with their families. As a student athlete, I remember how 
exhausting it was to come home late from a long day of practice, but 
only the best memories come to mind when the hard work paid off, as it 
has for this team.
  All tides rise and fall, all leaders face hardships. But no matter 
how far a tide strays from shore, it always rises to the occasion, just 
as this team has done.
  It is a privilege to represent these young men in the House of 
Representatives and my pleasure to congratulate them on their 
outstanding accomplishment of bringing home the state title. The 
Picayune High School Varsity Football team is the epitome of a 
successful team.