RECOGNIZING COACH MIKE PICKETT

On 2026-05-13, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL-4) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING COACH MIKE PICKETT" in the House.

RECOGNIZING COACH MIKE PICKETT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [House] [Page H3399] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING COACH MIKE PICKETT (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, in soccer, the final whistle marks the end of a match, but today, it marks the close of a legendary career. I rise to recognize an extraordinary coach, mentor, and leader from my district, Coach Mike Pickett of St. Johns Country Day School in Clay County, Florida, who is retiring after an incredible 28-year career. Madam Speaker, his record is astounding: 28 years in coaching, 684 games, 23 district championships, 22 regional championships, and 22 Final Four appearances. His teams earned an astounding 15 State championships, ranking him second all-time in Florida and fifth in the Nation. Along the way, his program achieved 9 top 10 national rankings, including three times as the number one team in the country. Coach Pickett's legacy goes far beyond the scoreboard. He helped shape the lives of countless young athletes, including more than 50 student athletes who went on to play collegiate soccer. Through his leadership, he instilled discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the game. Madam Speaker, Coach Pickett didn't just build a community program. He built character and opportunity for his students. As he steps away from the sidelines, we thank him for his dedication, his impact, and the example he has set both on and off the field. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Coach Pickett on an outstanding and incredible career. The final whistle has sounded, but his legacy will play on. I wish him all the best in the next game of life. Clay County and all of north Florida are very proud of Coach Pickett. Go get `em, Coach. Recognizing Skin Cancer Awareness Month Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, they call it the Sunshine State for a reason. As a young kid growing up in Florida, I basked in the sun every day, going without a shirt. I lifeguarded. I did everything in the sun. Years later, walking through the halls of the Florida Legislature, Dr. Ralph Massullo, who is now a State senator said, ``Bean, there is a spot on you that you might want to get checked out.'' I did. I saw my dermatologist, and it was bad skin that had to get removed immediately. Happy ending, Madam Speaker. That dangerous, bad skin was successfully removed, thanks to early detection and thanks to Dr. Massullo. It taught me a valuable lesson and put me on a mission, letting everybody know they have to respect the sunshine. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month to remind us all that something as simple as stepping outside can have long-term consequences if we don't respect the sunshine. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. The good news, Madam Speaker: It is also one of the most preventable cancers. A little sunscreen, a hat, and some shade during the hottest part of the day are small steps that make a big difference. Also, visit your dermatologist regularly because early detection saves lives. I am not here to sound alarms--or maybe--but just to make sure that people have the tools to protect themselves. I want families to enjoy the outdoors but be safe while in the sun. Madam Speaker, in Florida, we say the sunshine is part of the good life. Let's make sure we are protecting that life while enjoying it. ____________________