[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 5693] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov][[Page 5693]] EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS A TRIBUTE TO THE THOMAS JEFFERSON GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM, BROOKLYN, NY ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 5, 2006 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Thomas Jefferson Girls' basketball team, champions of the class B division of the Public School Athletic League of New York City. In one year, under the direction of head coach Calvin Young and assistant coach Unique Nelson, the ``Lady Orange Wave'' excelled to a regular season record of 15 wins and only 3 losses, while going undefeated with five more victories in the city playoffs. I want to especially recognize the work of superintendent Varleton McDonald and principal Michael A. Alexander, who have worked hard to infuse excellence, respect and accountability not only in athletics programs, but in academic departments as well. In addition, coaches Young and Nelson have instilled a ``team first'' approach and a tough regimen of discipline and ``no excuses'' that has led to the team's current success. However, academics have not taken a backseat. To the contrary, in an era when sports achievements have sometimes replaced excellence in English, math, science and other academic areas, the coaches have demanded a high level of academic performance from team members. Long after the last shot has been taken and the last ball dribbled, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will benefit from the leadership, love and guidance given to them by their coaches, teachers and administrators at Thomas Jefferson. I truly hope that in the days to come, the members of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave'' will build upon their experiences in basketball and their days at Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Speaker, in this spirit, I believe that the accomplishments of the 2006 ``Lady Orange Wave,'' the work of their coaches, teachers and administrators, are truly worthy of our recognition here today. ____________________