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[Pages H2835-H2836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING WHEELING PARK HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West
Virginia (Mr. McKinley) for 5 minutes.
Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheeling
Park High School Speech and Debate Team, which has won the West
Virginia State championship for 40 years in a row.
Think about that.
Their uninterrupted string of victories began when Jimmy Carter was
President, and now has extended through the administrations of
Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43, President Obama, and now
President Trump.
Their winning streak is longer than most of my staff has been alive.
Their 40-year record may very well be the longest in the country's
history.
Their students are part of a dynasty. Some even have a personal
family legacy because they are following the footsteps of their
parents, who also won when they competed in the high school competition
at Park.
Look, Generation Z suffers from a lot of negative stereotypes, but
the team members on the Wheeling Park Speech and Debate Team are
examples of a great new generation and what they can do.
These students are dedicated. They work year-round and compete in
competitions to hone their skills. They are able to convey emotions and
sway an audience while passionately arguing today's most pressing
topics.
We couldn't be prouder of these students. There is no doubt in my
mind, they have a bright future ahead of them, and that has everything
to do with their work ethic and dedication.
I would also like to congratulate and thank their coaches, Bill
Cornforth, Kayla Nelson, Isabella Droginske and Brigitte Mazure, as
well as the team's founding coach, Fran Schoolcraft, who led them
through their first 25 victories.
Congratulations on their first 40, and here's to the road to 41.
{time} 1045
Congratulating American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th
anniversary of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
My wife, Mary, was a critical-care nurse for over 45 years and served
as the past president of AACN. Her time as a critical-care nurse taught
me how difficult it is to have a career in nursing.
It requires working long hours, weekends, and caring for people
during the most challenging times of the patients' lives. And while
sometimes nurses get to see happy endings, other times, they share in
the emotions of families making very difficult decisions.
That is why it is important to honor the American Association of
Critical-
[[Page H2836]]
Care Nurses, their dedication to their patients, and their push for
excellence because, like their mission statement says, ``Nothing less
is acceptable.''
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