Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Avoca Borough, Pennsylvania as its residents celebrate its 150th anniversary of incorporation.

On May 24, 1871, Avoca Borough, then known as Pleasant Valley, was officially incorporated after splitting from the nearby Pittston Township. Governed by three councilmen, Pleasant Valley was a booming community with four railroads, four churches, a board of trade, a school, and a fire company.

In 1889, residents wanted to move the Marr Post Office to a more central location in the community. With another borough in the Commonwealth already claiming the name Pleasant Valley, the United States Postal Service rejected their request, but the citizens were undeterred. They requested a name change to Avoca through the Luzerne County Court after the Avoca Hose Company. The court granted their request, and the name was officially changed.

The twentieth century saw growth and prosperity for Avoca, and as the population grew, so did the needs of the community. In 1905, a group of Avoca's most enterprising citizens met to discuss the need for a town bank, and on April 1, 1907, the First National Bank of Avoca opened on Main Street. In the early 1920s, schools were struggling to accommodate the number of students due to a steadily increasing population. In 1925, the Avoca School Board finalized plans for a four-year high school building, which was completed in time for the 1926 school year.

Avoca has always been home to patriotic Americans who valiantly served their country and sought to give back to their community. In 1931, a group of ex-service members organized the American Legion McPhillips-WiddaI Post, and in 1946, Avoca veterans formed the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8335. Both organizations supported civic and athletic programs in Avoca.

Like many communities in the area, coal mining was the primary driver of the local economy. Many residents supported their families with careers in the mines, but the industry proved to be unsustainable. As the coal mining industry began to decline in the 1940s, the Wilkes- Barre-Scranton Airport was constructed, which would become a flourishing regional hub for travel throughout the Northeast. Through the 1950s, the anthracite coal mining industry continued its decline, forcing Avoca residents to relocate for more viable employment.

Today, Avoca remains a tight-knit community with thriving local businesses and a true small-town atmosphere. I am honored to join with Mayor Bob Mullen, Parade Grand Marshals Chris Van Luvender and Bob Matthews, Anniversary Committee President Kelly O'Brien, and all the residents of Avoca in celebrating the Borough's 150th anniversary. May the Borough continue to see growth and prosperity over the next 150 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pleasant Valley High School's Envirothon Team. The team of Emma Barrett (captain), Reece Kresge, Zachary Dooner, Jacob Possinger, and Benjamin Keppel recently placed seventh at the International NCF-Evirothon competition hosted virtually at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Evirothon began in Pennsylvania in 1979 as the ``Environmental Olympics'' to encourage young people to take an interest in conservation and environmental issues, and, over the past four decades, the program has expanded to 46 states and internationally to Canada and China. Teachers and professionals support high school students as they participate in natural resource environmental education both in the classroom and outdoors.

To advance to the international competition, the team competed against teams from 58 Pennsylvania counties in a series of field station tests focused five areas: soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. They also prepared and delivered an oral presentation where they demonstrated their problem solving and oral presentation skills and provided their recommendations to solve a current environmental issue. Their impressive performance earned them first place and a chance to compete at the international competition. The team also posted the top score in the wildlife station.

At the 32nd annual NCF-Enivrothon competition, hosted by the National Conservation Foundation and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, the team took on 42 teams--35 from the United States, four from Canada, and three from China. Vying for glory as well as scholarships and awards, the team competed in the five stations and delivered their oral presentation to a panel of judges, ultimately placing seventh overall and earning $1,000 scholarships.

It is an honor to recognize Emma, Reece, Zachary, Jacob, Benjamin, and their advisor, Maricatherine Garr, as they celebrate this outstanding achievement. They have made the 8th Congressional District proud and represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania well on the world stage. These students have bright futures ahead of them in whatever career path they choose, and I wish them well as they continue on in their studies. May they be lifelong stewards and advocates for our environment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Corey Welch. Corey will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sports of swimming and water polo. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Corey started competitively swimming when he was five years old. Five more years later, he won his first age group PA State Championship for the Wilkes-Barre YMCA in the 50 meter backstroke. Corey continued to succeed in the pool, winning the 100 IM as well as the 50 backstroke, setting a state and national record. He was ranked as the number one 14-year-old in the country in the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke.

Corey also began playing water polo, and in 1996, he was selected to attend the USA Water Polo Youth Development Camp at the USA Olympic Training Center. Corey had a very successful high school athletic career at Wyoming Valley West, and, as a freshman on the water polo team, he was voted the best freshman player in the state. He went on to be All-State the following three years and All-American in his junior and senior seasons. He helped lead the team to four consecutive division championships. On the swim team, Corey was undefeated in his individual events at the AAA district championships, and he helped the team win the PIAA District 2 and Wyoming Valley Conference Team titles during each of his four years.

After graduating from Wyoming Valley West, Corey continued his swimming career on a Division I scholarship at the University of Florida. He qualified for the USA Swimming National Championships each of his four years as a Gator, and, in 2004, he qualified for his first Olympic Trials in the 200 LCM breaststroke. Corey qualified for finals in several Nationals, as well as the 2004 US Open where he won the title as part of the 400 medley relay along with the overall team title. For his efforts, he was named to the Gators' All Time Top Ten list in the 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 medley relay, and 400 medley relay. In 2005, he won the SEC Championship with a conference and team record, and he earned Division I NCAA All-American status when the team finished fifth at the NCAA Championships. His impressive times also earned him a spot at the 2008 Olympic Team Trials.

After graduation, Corey pursued his doctorate in physical therapy at Drexel University. While in Philadelphia, he began coaching a USA Masters swim team, and he continued to compete himself in several Masters meets. In 2010, he was the USMS National Champion in both the 100 and 200 LCM. In early summer 2012, Corey swam a lifetime best in the 100 LCM breaststroke to earn a spot at the 2012 Olympic Team Trials.

It is an honor to recognize Corey on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Ashlee Ward. Ashlee will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sport of track and field. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

At Meyers High School, Ashlee was a star member of the track and field team. She held the records in high jump and discus. At the PIAA District 2 Championship in 2007, she was the high jump champion and placed fourth in discus. She went on to take eighth place in high jump at the PIAA State Championship. The following year, Ashlee again came out on top to take first place in high jump at the District 2 Championship, as well as second place in discus. She was sixth in the state for the high jump. In 2009, she placed second in high jump and third in discus at the District Championships and ninth in the state for high jump. Her senior year, she was crowned the District 2 Champion in both discus and high jump, and she was second in the state for high jump and fourth in discus.

While at Misericordia University, she held the school records in high jump and discus as well as the Middle Atlantic Conference indoor and outdoor high jump records. Her freshman year, at the MAC Indoor Championships, she was runner-up in high jump, and at the MAC Outdoor Championship, she was named Field Athlete of the Year and Champion in high jump and discus. At the NCAA Outdoor qualifier, she was 12th in high jump; at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Indoor Championship, she placed sixth in the high jump; and at the Outdoor Championship, she earned A11-ECAC outdoor honors after placing fifth in the high jump, as well as 11th in discus.

Her sophomore year, she was named the MAC Outdoor Champion in high jump and discus as well as the MAC Indoor Runner Up in high jump. She also participated in the Indoor and Outdoor ECAC Championships and the NCAA District Ill Outdoor Championships. As a junior, she continued to dominate the MAC as the Indoor Champion in high jump and the Outdoor Champion in high jump and discus. She also placed in the top five at both the indoor and outdoor ECAC Championships in high jump.

Ashlee had an incredibly successful senior season. She was the MAC Indoor High Jump Champion as well as the MAC Outdoor High Jump Champion and runner up in discus. She went on to compete at the ECAC Outdoor Championships, winning the gold in high jump and placing seventh in discus. She triumphed at the NCAA Division III Indoor and Outdoor Championships, placing first in high jump at both contests. For her efforts, she was named the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Women's Athlete of the Year for the Mideast Region.

It is an honor to recognize Ashlee on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Ashlee Ward. Ashlee will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sport of track and field. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

At Meyers High School, Ashlee was a star member of the track and field team. She held the records in high jump and discus. At the PIAA District 2 Championship in 2007, she was the high jump champion and placed fourth in discus. She went on to take eighth place in high jump at the PIAA State Championship. The following year, Ashlee again came out on top to take first place in high jump at the District 2 Championship, as well as second place in discus. She was sixth in the state for the high jump. In 2009, she placed second in high jump and third in discus at the District Championships and ninth in the state for high jump. Her senior year, she was crowned the District 2 Champion in both discus and high jump, and she was second in the state for high jump and fourth in discus.

While at Misericordia University, she held the school records in high jump and discus as well as the Middle Atlantic Conference indoor and outdoor high jump records. Her freshman year, at the MAC Indoor Championships, she was runner-up in high jump, and at the MAC Outdoor Championship, she was named Field Athlete of the Year and Champion in high jump and discus. At the NCAA Outdoor qualifier, she was 12th in high jump; at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Indoor Championship, she placed sixth in the high jump; and at the Outdoor Championship, she earned AII-ECAC outdoor honors after placing fifth in the high jump, as well as 11th in discus.

Her sophomore year, she was named the MAC Outdoor Champion in high jump and discus as well as the MAC Indoor Runner Up in high jump. She also participated in the Indoor and Outdoor ECAC Championships and the NCAA District Ill Outdoor Championships. As a junior, she continued to dominate the MAC as the Indoor Champion in high jump and the Outdoor Champion in high jump and discus. She also placed in the top five at both the indoor and outdoor ECAC Championships in high jump.

Ashlee had an incredibly successful senior season. She was the MAC Indoor High Jump Champion as well as the MAC Outdoor High Jump Champion and runner up in discus. She went on to compete at the ECAC Outdoor Championships, winning the gold in high jump and placing seventh in discus. She triumphed at the NCAA Division III Indoor and Outdoor Championships, placing first in high jump at both contests. For her efforts, she was named the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Women's Athlete of the Year for the Mideast Region.

It is an honor to recognize Ashlee on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Jacqueline Hardwick. Jacqueline will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sport of basketball. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

While at Dallas High School, Jacqueline excelled on the basketball team. Her sophomore year, she was selected as a Division II All-Star, and her team won the Wyoming Valley Conference Sportsmanship Award while also being named the WVC Division II Champions for the first time since 1985. Her junior year, she was named WVC Division II Player of the Year, and the team won the District II Class 3A Championship. As a senior, she reached a high school career total of 1,134 points and was named WVC Division II Times Leader All-Star. That same year, her team won the WVC Division II Championship. Jacqueline was also a key player on the soccer team; she was named a WVC Division D All-Star her freshman and sophomore years and a WVC District A All-Star her junior year. She helped lead the team to a Division D Championship her freshman year and to District 2 Playoffs her junior year. Her senior year, her team was crowned the District A Champions.

Jacqueline continued her athletic career on the basketball court at Albright College. Her junior year, she was named Albright College's Most Outstanding Women's Basketball Player. During her collegiate career, she scored 1,016 points, and she helped the team make its first Division II NCAA tournament appearance in school history. In 2008, Jacqueline was recognized by Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After graduating, she was hired at Kenwood High School with the Baltimore County Public Schools as a special education teacher, and she also coached the junior varsity girls' basketball team. From 2009 to 2013, she played semi-professional basketball with the Baltimore Starz in the Women's Eastern Basketball Alliance. Even with the demands of a semi-professional carrier, she continued to coach at Kenwood High School, serving as the assistant coach for the girls' varsity basketball team from 2009 to 2013. From 2011 to 2014, she coached Allied Soccer, and in 2013, she was named head coach of Kenwood's girls' varsity basketball head coach, a position she held until 2015.

It is an honor to recognize Jacqueline on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic and coaching careers serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Paul Lupinski. Paul will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic and coaching achievements in the sports of soccer, basketball, golf, swimming, baseball, and football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

At Tunkhannock Area High School, Paul was a standout multi-sport athlete, earning letters in soccer, golf, basketball, swimming, and baseball. He was named All-Conference in soccer, swimming, and baseball, and his senior year, he received All-State Honors in swimming. In the pool, he set school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 200 freestyle relay, and he won three district gold medals, one in the 50 freestyle and two in the 100 freestyle. In 1995, he went on to swim at the state championships, placing third in the 100 free and fourth in the 50 free. That year he was named to the High School Academic All-American Team. He was named to the 1994 and 1995 Times Leader Wyoming Valley Conference Swimming All-Star Team, as well as the 1995 Wyoming Valley Conference Baseball All-Star Team. He was also a Dutch Keller and Procter and Gamble Scholarship recipient.

At the end of Paul's senior year in baseball, he suffered a stroke caused by endocarditis due to a defective aortic valve. However, he was determined to honor his commitment to

swim for Penn State University that fall. He made an impressive recovery and went on to have a collegiate swimming career. He placed third in the 200 free relay at the 1997 Big Ten Conference Meet, and he was named Academic All-Big Ten athlete for the 1996-1997 season.

Paul's heart condition was monitored as he swam for two seasons at Penn State, but there were still signs of leakage in his heart. Despite deciding to give up swimming, he went on to play fall baseball for Penn State, and, in the spring, he was the last person cut from the team. In 1999, Paul graduated with a degree in chemical engineering.

While monitoring his heart condition after two open heart surgeries, Paul stays active and encourages young people to reach their full potential in sport. He has coached junior high baseball, age group swimming, rec league soccer, baseball, and basketball. He has served as the Tunkhannock Youth Soccer Commissioner and the Tunkhannock Youth Basketball Association Treasurer. He was on the board of the Wyoming County United Way and a trustee of the Center Moreland United Methodist Church. Paul shared his story of perseverance and overcoming adversity with the students of his alma mater as the keynote speaker of the Tunkhannock High School Honors Banquet.

It is an honor to recognize Paul on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his unique story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to future Pennsylvania students striving for personal excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Eric Speece. Eric will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Eric first stepped on the football field as a member of the West Pittston Rams mini football team. He helped lead the team to two championships, one in 1976 and one in 1978. He played Little League Baseball for Halls Nursery/Millers Economy; his team won the championship in 1979. He also wrestled in junior high.

Eric attended Wyoming Area High School, where he was a key player on the football team. While in high school, he gained over 1700 rushing yards and scored 26 touchdowns. In 1982, he lettered in football and received an honorable mention All-Scholastic. In 1983, he lettered and was named to the first team All-Scholastic as a running back. That year, he rushed for 1100 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He was a leading scorer in the Wyoming Valley Conference with 20 touchdowns, a safety, and a two-point conversion. For his efforts, the Citizens' Voice named him Offensive Player of the Year, and he was named All- Conference VFW Player of the Year and WVC Second Leading Rusher. He played on the UNICO West Team, and in 2009, he was inducted into the Wyoming Area Ring of Pride. In addition to football, Eric played basketball and ran track.

Eric continued his football and academic careers at Lock Haven University. His freshman year he was the team's leading rusher and started seven games, He lettered in 1984-1985 and had 122 carries for 585 yards, five touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. He then transferred to Bloomsburg University where he lettered in football in 1987 and 1989. While at Bloomsburg, he had 405 rushing yards with one touchdown and 90 yards receiving with one touchdown.

After graduating from college, Eric continued to pursue his passion for football. He played adult flag football from 1990 to 2006 in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. In 2000, he joined the coaching staff of his alma mater, Wyoming Area. He also returned to West Pittston Rams mini football as coach from 1990 to 2006; his teams made the playoffs nine out of his ten seasons with the team. In 2000, they were the Super Bow1 runners-up.

It is an honor to recognize Eric on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor coach and Northeastern Pennsylvania native William Sexton. William will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame for his distinct coaching achievements in the sports of wrestling, baseball, and football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

William is a graduate of North Pocono High School and Bloomsburg State College. He spent nearly four decades as a social studies teacher at Towanda Area High School, In 1978, he was named assistant coach of the school's wrestling team, and in 1980, he was promoted to head coach. Under his shrewd and capable leadership, the Black Knights had 676 wins, 233 loses, and three ties. His legendary career varsity record makes him the winningest coach in PIAA District IV history and the second in Pennsylvania all-time history. He coached his wrestlers to eleven Northern Tier League Championships, fifteen PIAA District IV North Section Team Titles, four PIAA District IV Team Titles, and one Northeast Regional Title.

Dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential in sport, William spent forty years, from 1978 to 2018, coaching the Black Knights baseball and football teams. As the head baseball coach, he lead the team to 549 wins, and throughout his coaching career, the teams won eleven Northern Tier League Titles and one District IV title.

It is an honor to recognize William on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and coaching career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, the late Harold Edward ``Red'' Grange. Harold will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Harold was born on June 13, 1903 to Sarah ``Sadie'' and John ``Lyle'' Grange in Forksville, Pennsylvania. After his wife passed away in 1910 from typhoid fever, Lyle moved his family to Wheaton, Illinois to be closer to relatives. Eager to support his family, Harold began delivering blocks of ice to Wheaton-area homes after proving he could lift the 75-pound blocks of ice on his shoulders with ease. The strenuous job not only primed his body for the physical demands of football but also earned him the nickname, ``Wheaton Iceman.''

Harold had a standout high school football career, scoring 75 touchdowns. He continued his athletic career at the University of Illinois where he was known as the ``Galloping Ghost'' for his unparalleled agility and speed. On October 18, 1924, he helped lead the team to a national championship over Michigan in a game where he scored four touchdowns and covered 262 yards in the first twelve minutes. While at Illinois. he was an All-American three times and, in 1924, was the first recipient of the Silver Football Award as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. He was named to the Sporting News All-Team, the Big Ten Diamond Anniversary Team, the Walter Camp All-Century Team, and the UI All-Century Team. In 1925, the University of Illinois retired his number, No. 77, the first of only two players to date to have that honor.

At the last game of his impressive collegiate career, Harold signed a professional contract with the Chicago Bears. With his magnetic presence and athletic prowess on the field, crowds would flock to the stadium to watch him lead his team to championships. For his efforts, Harold is credited with sparking the new interest Americans began to show in football and helping to legitimize and popularize the National Football League. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A historical marker on Route 154 near the intersection with Route 87 in Forksville, PA commemorates Harold's storied football career.

In 1941, Harold married Margaret Hazelberg. He had a daughter with Helen Morrissey in 1928, Rosemary Morrisey, and he has a granddaughter Rose Batka. He died on January 28, 1991.

It is an honor to recognize Harold on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Matthew Kolojejchick. Matthew will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sports of swimming and football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

In 2004, Matthew joined the Wyoming Valley West High School freshman football team as a running back and linebacker. He also joined the swim team and broke a 20-year-old school record in the 50 freestyle in his first varsity meet. At the district competition, he won gold in both the 50 and 100 freestyle, and he went on to the state competition where he competed in the consolations. After transferring to Bishop Hoban High School for his sophomore year, he stood out as a running back on the football field. In the pool for the Argents, he won two district gold medals in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. At States, he broke the existing PIAA 100 breaststroke record but fell short in the final touch and won the silver medal. As a junior, he dominated the football field as a running back and linebacker, leading the entire Wyoming Valley Conference in rushing yards. In swimming, Matthew once again excelled at Districts, winning gold in his leading events, the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke; he went on to become the state champion in the 50 freestyle.

For his senior year, Matthew transferred back to Wyoming Valley West to play football under local legend, coach George Curry. He helped lead the team to a one-loss season and to the state playoffs. In the first game of the playoff series, he rushed for seven touchdowns against the undefeated Delaware Valley. In the next game against Parkland, a team that had not been scored on in seven games, Matthew scored two touchdowns. For a second year, he led the entire conference in rushing, and he set five school records: most touchdowns in a season, most rushing yards in a season, most rushing yards in a game, most touchdowns in a game, and most 200-yard rushing games in a season.

Matthew's lifelong dream was to play Division I college football, and he chose to forgo his senior swim season to make that dream a reality. He received several 1 AA college football scholarship offers before ultimately accepting a full scholarship to the University of Rhode Island where he was red-shirted his first year. His sophomore year, Coach Butch Davis of the University of North Carolina offered him a spot as a preferred walk-on. He made the team and played back up running back and as a special team player for kickoff and punt return/ coverage. He played in two bowl games with the Tar Heels: the Music City Bowl in 2010 in a win against Tennessee and the Advocare Bowl in 2011 in a Joss against Missouri.

It is an honor to recognize Matthew on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Joseph Costello. Joseph will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his distinct athletic and coaching achievements in the sport of track and field. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Joseph was a standout athlete in football and track and field at West Pittston High School from 1957 to 1961. He was a two-time PIAA District II champion in the shotput. Joseph continued his academic career at the University of Scranton where he earned an undergraduate degree in education and a master's degree in administration. In 1966, he began his teaching, coaching, and administrative career at Pittston Area High School.

In 1970, Joseph founded the Pittston Area track and field program, beginning his legendary coaching career. He developed and built the program on the foundation of measured and thoughtful coaching while fostering a strong feeder system which resulted in hundreds of students participating in the program under his leadership. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Pittston Area Patriots dominated regional track and field. Between 1980 and 1983, the team won 55 consecutive meets, four consecutive Wyoming Valley Conference (WVC) League championships, four consecutive PIAA District II championships, and four Jordan Relay titles, in addition to setting district records and winning state medals. In 1983, the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader named him the first WVC Track Coach of the Year.

Some of the impressive records set by Joseph's athletes still stand today in PIAA District II, nearly four decades later. The Pittston Area 4 x 400 relay record of 3:23.44 set in 1981 by state medalists Ed Zaleski, Al Michalec, Vince O'Boyle, and Jack Goldowski still stands, as does the District II record in the 400 of 48.74 seconds set in 1982 by state medalist Vince O'Boyle and the District II 4 x 800 relay record of 8:00.84 set in 1981 by Mike Lombardo, Jay Loughney, Joe Bannon, and Bruce Marancik. Many of Joseph's star athletes went on to have impressive collegiate careers at institutions such as East Stroudsburg University, Bucknell University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In 1983, Joseph retired from coaching to serve as the assistant principal of Pittston Area High School, and in 1992, he was named principal, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. The effects of Joseph's coaching were felt in the years after his retirement during the 1984 and 1985 seasons as the Patriots went on to win 86 consecutive regular season WVC meets and six consecutive WVC and PIAA District II titles.

It is an honor to recognize Joseph on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and coaching career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes and coaches striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Shana Welch. Shana will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for her distinct athletic and coaching achievements in the sports of swimming and water polo. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

At Wyoming Valley West High School, Shana was a standout member of the swim team. She received All-American recognition from the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association in both the 50-yard and 100- yard freestyle event. She was named Conference Swimmer of the Year four times and won 15 PIAA District II swimming medals.

Shana was not only a skilled swimmer, but she was also a key player on the soccer, water polo, and track and field teams, earning four letters in water polo and soccer and one in track and field. On the water polo team, she helped lead the team to their first State Championship in 1999. She was a four-time All-State and four-time All- American, and in her freshman year she was named Rookie of the Year. After her senior year, she was crowned MVP.

Shana continued her academic and athletic careers at the University of Michigan, establishing herself as one of the best players in school water polo history. She set new program records for career goals and points and led the team as captain in 2006 and 2007. The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) recognized her athletic prowess throughout her collegiate career, naming her Rookie of the Year in 2005, MVP of the CWPA Western Division three times, and CWPA Player of the Week nine times. Shana was instrumental in leading the team to the 2005 CWPA Championship and earned an NCAA tournament berth, as well as four consecutive division crowns from 2004 to 2007. USA Speedo named her a Top 40 player in both 2005 and 2006. In addition to her dominance in the pool, Shana excelled academically. She received the University of Michigan Athletic Academic Achievement Award in 2006 and 2007, and she received the Bob Ufer Sr. Athlete Award in 2007.

Shana played professional water polo in Australia with the UWA Comets the year after graduation and in Greece from 2010-2011. Stateside, she focused on coaching, accepting a position as Bucknell University's assistant swim coach for the 2008-2009 season. For the 2009-2010 season, she coached the Harvard men's water polo team. In 2014, Shana joined Long Beach State University as the women's water polo volunteer assistant, and, in 2020. she was named the first dedicated

coach for the women's water polo program since 2008 after leading the team in six standout seasons in various coaching roles. In recognition of her athleticism and contributions to the sport, Shana was named to the Michigan All-Decade team in 2010, and, in 2016, she was inducted into the CWPA Hall of Fame.

It is an honor to recognize Shana on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, official, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, the late James Michael Desiderio. James will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame for his distinct athletic and coaching achievements in the sport of wrestling. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

James graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania where he spent four years as a key member of the wrestling team. For his athletic-prowess and leadership, he was named captain his senior year, and his efforts on the mat earned him induction into the Meyers High School Sports Hall of Fame.

James continued his academic career at Luzerne County Community College, graduating with a degree in science. He started coaching wrestling at Pittston Area High School before transferring to Meyers where he was the head coach of the junior high team and known for his care and attention to his athletes. James left the area to attend Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida where he received a degree in Mortuary Science. While in Miami, he coached wrestling for a local YMCA. James returned to Pennsylvania and opened Piszczek-Desiderio Funeral Home. His passion for the sport of wrestling endured as he worked as a PIAA wrestling referee, officiating the sport with fairness and expertise. He continued to work for the good of his community by serving on the Wilkes-Barre YMCA Board of Directors for more than ten years.

It is an honor to recognize James on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of

Fame. May his story and his athletic and coaching careers serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Christopher Cartwright, who passed away in May 2021, at age

52. Chris was a dedicated civil servant with a brilliant mind, a vast well of patience, and boundless compassion. He spent most of his 30- year career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and served most recently as the Director of NOAA's Budget Office.

Chris created an environment of trust and collegiality everywhere he went. He was unflappable in navigating the budget and appropriations process and always applied a calm and thoughtful approach to achieving NOAA's mission. Through it all, Chris was unfailingly kind and humble. His gentle leadership inspired his team--and those around him--to be better people, leaders, and public servants.

Chris was a proud graduate of Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where last year he had the honor of leading the graduating class in recitation of the Athenian Oath. True to the oath he held so dear, Chris ``strived unceasingly to quicken the public sense of civic duty.'' We are grateful for his service.