CONGRATULATING JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

On 2024-12-17, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, foreign policy. It referenced legislation: S75.

CONGRATULATING JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [House] [Pages H7243-H7244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING JAMES WOOD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes. Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the James Wood High School volleyball team for their remarkable achievement in winning the Class 4 State championship. The Colonels have truly made history, claiming three consecutive State titles with their latest victory on November 23 in a five-set match against Courtland High School at the Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The volleyball program has secured half of James Wood's total State titles in the school's 75-year history. During the championship match, the Colonels were led by two-time State player of the year Kennedy Spaid with 25 kills, 24 digs, and 4 aces. Alongside her, three-time first team all-State player Brenna Corbin had 21 kills, 23 digs, and 3 blocks, while first-year varsity setter Kylee Plumb had 50 assists along with 15 digs and 12 service points. Their victory capped off a phenomenal season, bringing the record to 23-3 and an impressive 3-year total of 76-6. I want to recognize each player on this exceptional team: Kennedy Spaid, Reese Justice, Bella Middleton, Kylee Plumb, Adeline Pitcock, Kyla Wilhelm, Tenley Mattison, Katilyn Brannon, Giselle Norris, Abie Tenney, Brenna Corbin, and Claire Keefer. I also want to recognize the outstanding coaching staff: Head Coach Adrienne Patrick; Assistant Head Coach Brandy Corbin; and their managers: Ethan Germeyer, Ethan Montoya, Fielding Conway, and Kyleigh Bly. Madam Speaker, I once again congratulate the 2024 James Wood High School volleyball team. Virginia's Sixth Congressional District is incredibly proud of their accomplishment, and I wish them continued success in the season ahead. Recognizing Loudoun Street Mall's 50th Anniversary Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loudoun Street Mall, also known as the Old Town Walking Mall in the city of Winchester. Over 50 years ago, a group of visionary store owners recognized a shift in shopping habits and the growing demand for convenient shopping spaces. In response, downtown businesses came together to close off two blocks of one of Winchester's busiest streets giving rise to the Loudoun Street Mall. This bold decision led to the formation of the Downtown Development Committee. Composed of Old Town businessowners, including Betsy Helm, [[Page H7244]] Irvin Shendow, Julius Armel, William Duncan, Lewis Ebert, Larry Goodyear, Ray Jennings, Frank Loy, Jimmy Wilkins, John Lewis, and David Juergens, who collaborated with city hall in the early 1970s to bring this vision to life. While the mall initially thrived, it faced challenges in the 1980s and struggled for decades. However, in 2013, a revitalization began, bringing new amenities and life back to the area. Today, the mall is a true treasure of the Winchester region and a hub for the community and tourism. From the first businessowners like Irvin Shendow of Bell's Fine Clothing, who served as chairman of the Downtown Development Committee, to then-State senator William Truban, who enabled legislation, to the current city and business leaders, the Loudoun Street Mall has become a top destination for residents and visitors alike. I am proud to represent the citizens of the city of Winchester, the Loudoun Street Mall in the Sixth District of Virginia, and I am confident it will continue to thrive for many years to come. Congratulating Sheriff Steve Funkhouser Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable leader and friend, Rockbridge County Sheriff Steve Funkhouser, as he prepares to retire on January 1, 2025. A proud native of Rockbridge County, Sheriff Funkhouser graduated from Natural Bridge High School. Inspired by his family's commitment to service, he dedicated his life to protecting our community and our country. For almost three decades, Sheriff Funkhouser honorably served with the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, starting his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy in 1996. He quickly rose through the ranks becoming a patrolman, investigator, lieutenant, and chief of patrol. In 2019, he was elected as the sheriff of Rockbridge County and Lexington city, winning reelection overwhelmingly in 2023. Beyond his role as sheriff, he also served as a regional director for the Virginia Sheriff's Association and as an officer in the Virginia National Guard, retiring as a major after over 28 years of dedicated service. He has also contributed to the community by organizing Christmas shopping excursions for local residents of the Rockbridge County area. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sheriff Funkhouser's extraordinary commitment to our community and his nearly 30 years of service. I wish him and his family the very best in his retirement and in the next chapter of his life. ____________________