Congressman visits, Celina Record

P Congressman praises Celina students for recent accomplishments Lisa Ferguson, lferguson@starlocalmedia.com Feb 4, 2016 While visiting Celina High School last week, Congressman John Ratcliffe lauded senior Lauren Schultz for her recent appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Ratcliff had nominated the teen for the appointment. Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe, who represents the 4th District of Texas, paid a visit to Celina High School on Jan. 28. While at the school, he offered his congratulations to the Celina Bobcats football team for its stellar season, as well as a standout member of the senior class for her accomplishments. Ratcliffe greeted members of the team in the school library and praised the group for being the only team in his 18-county congressional district (which includes Celina) to advance to the state finals this year, despite their loss in the championship game in Houston. “I wanted to come here and meet you,” Ratcliffe told the teens, commending them for being undefeated during the regular season. “It tells me you’ve got great leadership” under coach Bill Elliot. “My guess is this season y’all ran into some teams that were maybe more talented on the field than you were,” Ratcliffe said. “Talent is only so good if you put that talent in the right places, and you inspire that talent to live up to its capabilities and potential.” The season, he said, also proved the teammates are “an unselfish group of young men because that’s successful teams do: They focus less on what’s good for that person individually and put the interest of the team above their own individual interests.” That trait is an important one to possess “not just on the football field, but in life and whatever you do,” he added. “You’ll get further focusing on the greater good than just on what’s good for you all the time.” Following his talk, Ratcliffe presented Elliott with a flag he said had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of the team’s outstanding season. The congressman’s visit “was a great honor for our kids,” Elliott said. “It was real special that he took that time out of his schedule … to come recognize them and honor them and bring us that flag.” The coach said he also appreciated Ratcliffe’s message for the team. “That’s what we talk to them about and that’s what the real, whole basis of our program is all about: More important than winning is the lessons they learn about life to help them become young men and husbands and fathers someday,” Elliott said. “I think that was cool that he put that in there to kind of say that you’re learning more than just about playing football, you’re also learning about life. I think that’s what it all comes down to.” The congressman also recognized Lauren Schultz, whom he nominated for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The teen has received an appointment to the school, but Ratcliffe said she has not yet decided whether she will attend the academy. “She’s going to have all sorts of terrific options after leaving Celina High School, but just the accomplishment of getting the nomination and the appointment is something that is noteworthy and newsworthy and worth recognizing,” he said. Speaking after the event, the congressman said, “There are some outstanding young men and women that are coming out of the Celina community, and I think it’s important to highlight achievements.”