[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14724-14725]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 9TH ANNUAL LAKESHORE CLASSIC BASKETBALL INVITATIONAL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and respect that I 
recognize the

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Gary Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates the 9th annual 
Lakeshore Classic Basketball Invitational. In observance of this 
special event, the Gary Chamber of Commerce hosted a celebratory 
corporate luncheon at the Diamond Center in Gary, Indiana, on Monday, 
November 21, 2016, followed by the basketball invitational at West Side 
Leadership Academy on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26, 
2016.
  The theme for this year's Lakeshore Classic is ``Step Up for 
Education,'' which emphasizes the importance of combining athletics, 
academics, and the significant role of teachers, parents, coaches, and 
community leaders in the educational processes. To enhance this vision, 
the Gary Chamber of Commerce chose David J. Johns, Executive Director 
for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African 
Americans, as a guest speaker for the corporate luncheon. This 
initiative works with federal agencies and partners nationwide to 
improve the range of educational programs for African Americans. David 
is not only passionate about empowering youth and conducting research 
to improve the perception of African American males, he is also heavily 
committed to educational improvement in the African American community. 
Through his passion and tireless contributions to education, Mr. Johns 
has proven to be an extraordinary advocate and example to all youth and 
is an inspiration to us all.
  At this time, I would like to recognize the schools who participated 
in the Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. These teams are 
dedicated to achieving academic excellence and to demonstrating 
exceptional sportsmanship. The participating teams include the Gary 
West Side Lady Cougars, Gary West Side Cougars, John Marshall Lady 
Commandos, John Marshall Commandos, East Chicago Central Cardinals, 
Thea Bowman Eagles, Charles A. Tindley Tigers, and the Griffith 
Panthers.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you to join me in recognizing the 
Gary Chamber of Commerce, as well as the organizers and sponsors of the 
9th annual Lakeshore Classic. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and 
dedication to our youth and Northwest Indiana is worthy of the highest 
praise.

                          ____________________