Recognizing 1984 Walla Walla High School Girls' Basketball Team
Floor Speech
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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 1984 Walla Walla High School girls' basketball team and to celebrate the long-overdue recognition of their State championship victory.
The 1979 and 1984 Walla Walla High girls' teams remain the only State basketball champions in Wa-Hi history. Yet, for more than four decades, the 1984 champions have had no victory cup to mark their achievement.
What began as a casual conversation last spring has turned into the long-awaited correction of that injustice. This Saturday, after 42 years, the 1984 team will finally be recognized with a ceremony and the presentation of a specially made championship trophy.
These remarkable women represent the best of our communities: perseverance, teamwork, and pride that will stand the test of time. Now, finally, they will have a victory cup to recognize their significant achievement.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to give a shout-out to the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin for covering this story. It is a reminder that while we can sometimes be frustrated with the way media covers things politically, we always appreciate a local news source for these types of stories. Recognizing Driver and Lindsey Families of Pend Oreille County
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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Driver and Lindsey families of Pend Oreille County, whose century-long story tells the very best of rural America: perseverance, hard work, and renewal.
Their history stretches from a hand-built homestead in the 1920s, through decades of loss and reclamation, to today's 800-acre hay operation that continues to be an anchor in their community.
This year marks three remarkable milestones: 100 years since the original home was built, 80 years since the farm was reclaimed, and 20 years since the current operation began.
The Driver and Lindsey families embody stewardship and resilience. They have tilled the same soil for generations, adapting through challenge and change, ensuring this family legacy. Pictured to the right of me today is one of the fifth generation of the Driver family, and we know that he has much to look forward to as he builds his community on this wonderful family farm.
Celebrating 145th Anniversary of Spokane Tribe of Indians
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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 145th anniversary of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, a proud milestone honoring one of eastern Washington's oldest and most resilient communities.
The Spokane Tribe recently hosted its 1881 Powwow near Wellpinit, bringing together families, dancers, and community members to mark this anniversary with song, dance, and fellowship. The day was filled with vibrant drumming, traditional ceremonies, and shared meals that reflected the enduring spirit of the Tribe.
As the American flag and the Spokane Tribe flag flew side by side, this celebration stood as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and the living heritage that continues to enrich the inland northwest.
Mr. Speaker, I am not a Native Tribal member myself, but growing up in eastern Washington, I did have time to spend playing basketball with the Nez Perce Tribe of Indians in Lapwai, close to my family home. On several occasions, I was able to join and observe powwows.
Mr. Speaker, if anyone in Congress or watching at home has not had the opportunity to attend a powwow, it truly is one of the best celebrations of our shared culture and history. It is something that all Americans should attempt to do as we celebrate our 250th anniversary.
I close by again congratulating the Spokane Tribe of Indians on their leadership, tradition, and community pride.
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