State Legislature Honors CHS Girls Track Team

Not to be outdone by the Essex County Freeholders, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and State Senator Richard Codey have added to the torrent of appreciation and recognition that has been flowing toward the Columbia High School Girls Track Team this past spring.

The earlier this month, but Jasey and Codey outdid them but having TWO resolutions passed by the JOINT legislature (that's both Senate and Assembly, thank you very much!).

To put the icing on the cake, the ultra-busy Jasey herself showed up at Monday's South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting to read the resolutions and present them to the girls and coaches herself (see video). Coach Lisa Morgan took the opportunity to thank and recognize the girls as well (also see video).

The girls of the CHS Track Team include:

Seniors Ebonie Coleman, Tasia Crumbley, Danielle England, Chanel Jackson, Jade Johnson, Janae Miller, Sarah-Ann Nijman, Cynthia Ogbonna, Chelsea Osuji, Ashley Phillips, Kayann Richards and Charity Scipio;

Juniors Georgine Alexis, Nicole Basili, Briana Bellamy, Juanica Buchanan, Kelsi Burgess, Fayola Etienne, Yishana Gordon, Ni’mah Ismail, Whitney Jackson, Ashley Kamal, Janee Kearney, Megan Kirk, Laura Marino, Madison Moore, Brittany Padmore, Ayaana Smith and Erica Snarski;  

Sophomores Amber Ballew, Simone Brownlee, Destin Christie, Christelle Daceus, Shanika Dessein, Kelsey Earle, Kenya Gatson, Marvianna Gray, Natasha Rowley, Victoria Thomson, Anna van Zeijts, A’nasia Wiley and Kiana Winston; and  

Freshmen Folayemi Akindubuwa, Sarah Backstrave, Olivia Baker, Aigner Bobbitt, Hannah Butler, Calisha Caine, Najiyyah Clark, Imani Coleman, Baheejah Crumbley, Amanda Faison, Maya Hinton, Shationa Holder, Jessica Innocent, Jaelle Laurore, Hannah Panzer, Margot Radding, Kayla Richardson, Marilyn Sadasy, Deja Scott, Jada Smith, Tikeyah Thornton, Mitsy Wedderburn and Raquel Williams.

The resolutions read as follows:

THE SENATE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATE HOUSE, TRENTON, N.J.

JOINT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

By Senator Codey, Assemblywoman Jasey and Assemblyman McKeon

Whereas,  The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to honor and congratulate the members of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team, all highly esteemed young citizens of the Garden State, for their outstanding athletic achievements; and,

Whereas,  The members of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team performed with praiseworthy determination to capture numerous championships, including the 2009-2010 Indoor and 2010-2011 SEC Conference, Essex County Relay and Individual, and Group IV Section II, the 2009-2010 Indoor Group IV, the 2010 and 2011 Outdoor SEC Conference, Essex County Relay and Individual, Group IV Section II, and Group IV, and the 2010 Outdoor New Balance National matches; and,

Whereas,  The Team is especially distinguished by accomplishing undefeated dual meet records in the 2010 and 2011 Outdoor seasons, as well as being Nike National Runner-Ups and obtaining record scores during the 2010 Outdoor season; and,

Whereas,  Under the capable guidance of Head Coach Lisa Morgan and Assistant Coach Chuck Keegan, these exceptional young athletes have demonstrated the finest qualities of true champions; and,

Whereas,  Their talent and exemplary efforts in seeking and achieving athletic excellence have earned for the members of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team the high regard of the New Jersey Legislature and the people of this State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

That this House hereby honors and congratulates the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team and commends the Team’s players for their exceptional efforts and competitive spirit as evidenced by their accomplishments; and,

Be It Further Resolved, That a duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker and attested by the Senate Secretary and the Assembly Clerk, be transmitted to the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team.

THE SENATE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

STATE HOUSE, TRENTON, N.J.

JOINT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

By Senator Codey, Assemblywoman Jasey and Assemblyman McKeon

Whereas,  The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to honor and congratulate Lisa Morgan and Chuck Keegan, esteemed members of the Garden State community, in recognition of their outstanding efforts as the coaches of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team; and,

Whereas,  Under the capable guidance of Head Coach Lisa Morgan and Assistant Coach Chuck Keegan, the members of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team performed with praiseworthy determination to capture numerous championships, including the 2009-2010 Indoor and 2010-2011 SEC Conference, Essex County Relay and Individual, and Group IV Section II, the 2009-2010 Indoor Group IV, the 2010 and 2011 Outdoor SEC Conference, Essex County Relay and Individual, Group IV Section II, and Group IV, and the 2010 Outdoor New Balance National matches; and,

Whereas,  The Team is especially distinguished by accomplishing undefeated dual meet records in the 2010 and 2011 Outdoor seasons, as well as being Nike National Runner-Ups and obtaining record scores during the 2010 Outdoor season; and,

Whereas,  Lisa Morgan and Chuck Keegan have served as models and standards of personal and sporting excellence to the young athletes in their charge, and the team members’ determination, developed skills, and competitive spirit are the products of lessons well taught by Head Coach Lisa Morgan and Assistant Coach Chuck Keegan; and,

Whereas,  Within all the spheres of their lives and work, Lisa Morgan and Chuck Keegan have set an example in service and leadership worthy of emulation and, in so doing, earned the respect and admiration of all who know them; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

That this Legislature hereby honors Head Coach Lisa Morgan and Assistant Coach Chuck Keegan, pays tribute to their meritorious contributions in behalf of the Columbia High School Girls Track and Field Team, and extends best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors; and,

Be It Further Resolved, That a duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker and attested by the Senate Secretary and the Assembly Clerk, be transmitted to Lisa Morgan and Chuck Keegan.