As a parent, I understand the demands that our young people face. As members of the community, we are all aware that education is as important as any other issue we face. Each day, our children learn lessons in the classroom that will prepare them for the days and years ahead, and we work hard to see they are given the tools they need to compete and succeed in life. The success of the Junction City High School football program exemplifies how the lessons learned on the field of competitive athletics can often supplement the education learned in our classrooms. I have long been an advocate of athletics and extracurricular activities as those activities broaden academic excellence by instilling leadership, character, and teamwork in its participants. 

At a time when our country needs youth leadership more than ever, this team has answered the challenge and set a course that can serve as an example for us all. Along with the school's first-ever championship, the records compiled by this team are truly impressive: An all-time state scoring record, the longest winning streak in school history, and the most wins in school history. It's about more than records or trophies. Championships are won in the heart as much as on the field. The will to overcome adversity, the daily drive to succeed, and the mental toughness to perform under pressure carried these young men during their championship season, and will provide them with a well to draw from throughout their entire lives. 

It brings me a great deal of pleasure to again congratulate the Junction City High School football program on their tremendous season and first-ever Class AA High School Football Championship. We all take pride in you and all you have accomplished.