WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Legislature honors the champs

Wednesday, April 22, was Federal Way High School boys’ basketball day in Olympia.  The student-athletes who brought the 4A state hoops championship trophy to Federal Way this year were recognized for their achievement at the state Capitol.

In an informal ceremony in the historic State Reception Hall, the boys and their coach, Jerome Collins, were presented with a framed copy of House Resolution 4633, which was sponsored by state Reps. Carol Gregory (D-30th, Federal Way) and Linda Kochmar (R-30th, Federal Way) and unanimously approved on April 1.  State Sen. Mark Miloscia (R-30th, Federal Way) authored a similar resolution which was presented to them by the Senate.

“I’m so proud of these young men,” Gregory said, “and I salute them and the Eagles’ coaching staff, led by Coach Collins.  Their athletic skills are obviously outstanding.  But as a former teacher, I have to say I’m even more impressed by the fact that their academic achievements are also at the championship level.”

“This team is one more example of how resilient our Federal Way community is,” said Kochmar. “I’m so proud of the team’s and coaching staff’s accomplishments this season. Their success is proof that hard work and dedication really does pay off.”

“The determination to come together and overcome adversity is what set this team apart,” said Miloscia, sponsor of the Senate resolution. “There are few teams that earn the recognition of the Legislature, but the perseverance, leadership and teamwork demonstrated by Coach Collins and his team of talented young men is a testament to a championship mentality of winning in the right way.”

After the event in the State Reception Hall, the Eagles were recognized in the Senate, and then made personal visits to both the Democratic and Republican caucuses in the House.

“These state champs are a young team,” Gregory said, “with quite a few returning players.  The 2015 trophy was the second for Federal Way in the last seven years, so who knows?  We might be back here next year for another ceremony.”

 Legislative Support Services
Reps. Carol Gregory (pink sweater) and Linda Kochmar (red jacket), Sen. Mark Miloscia (grey jacket), and Coach Jerome Collins (greatest necktie of all time) with the 2015 Federal Way Eagles state championship basketball team.

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