The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE JONES FAMILY
______
HON. RALPH NORMAN
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of Rock Hill's greatest former athletes and loving parents, Tim and Jackie Jones. It has been my privilege to learn of the successes of Tim and Jackie and their talented daughters, Jada and Layla.
Tim was a standout Bearcat at Rock Hill High who played in the 1989 Shrine Bowl before dominating in football as a collegiate level linebacker. He was a two-time All-ACC starter who led the Clemson Tigers in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Only one player has accomplished that feat since. Nicknamed ``The Hitman'' for his punishing tackles in high school, Tim went on to accumulate 338 tackles in college. Among a plethora of distinguished titles and awards, he was a sophomore All-American in 1992, an Honorable Mention All-American in both 1993 and 1994, and the team's Most Valuable Player in 1994. Tim pursued a banking career in Charlotte before returning to Rock Hill High as an assistant football coach. He will always be remembered as Clemson's best No. 56.
Before running cross country at the University of South Carolina, Jackie set records in track and field at Rock Hill High. She shared pointers with her daughter, Jada, who broke those records as a freshman in 2019. The elite athlete has also persevered through extreme hardship. Jackie was previously diagnosed with both stomach cancer and breast cancer. Despite undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, her breast cancer returned shortly after. She remains optimistic and continues to fight this ongoing battle with persistence and grace. Currently, Jackie serves her community as principal of Mt. Holly Elementary School. She is a faithful and inspirational leader to all.
Tim and Jackie are blessed to have raised two high-achieving Bearcats of their own. An unmatched high school basketball star, ``eternal optimist'' Jada has the speed, build, and athleticism to carry her teammates through any season. As a varsity guard, she led her basketball team through the playoffs and plans to rejoin the soccer and track teams this spring, as well. Her little sister Layla, who plays on the Junior Varsity team, seeks advice from Jada and hopes to soon follow in her footsteps.
Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Jones family's athletic accomplishments. They are living legends, and I am proud to acknowledge their substantial contributions to our community.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 61
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