During a recent city council meeting in Jacksonville, Mayor Sammy Phillips honored the Jacksonville High School Lady Cardinals soccer team for their historic achievement of winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A Girls Soccer State Championship. This marks the first state title in soccer for the school, and the mayor expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, which included a season record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 4 ties, with an impressive 18 shutouts.

The mayor read a proclamation declaring June 1, 2024, as \"Jacksonville High School Lady Cardinals Soccer Team Day,\" encouraging citizens to recognize the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The team, led by head coach Amanda Pelch and assistant coach Becky Castobney, showcased exceptional performance throughout the season, scoring 82 goals while allowing only 9 against them.

In addition to the soccer team's recognition, Christina Fernandez, president of the Onslow Hispanic Latino Association, addressed the council to promote the upcoming Summer Latin Fiesta scheduled for July 27 at the Commons Recreation Center. Last year's event attracted over 7,500 attendees, and this year promises even more activities, including live entertainment, food trucks, and cultural showcases. The mayor commended the event for celebrating diversity and fostering community engagement.

The meeting also included routine council business, with the approval of minutes from previous meetings and discussions on public hearings related to community improvement initiatives. The council's commitment to supporting local events and recognizing community achievements reflects an ongoing effort to enhance civic pride and inclusivity in Jacksonville.