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Senate recognizes Jesuit High School champions and YMCA delegates; adjourns in memory of community leaders
Summary
Senators honored Jesuit High School’s 2025 CIF Division II cross country champions and welcomed YMCA Youth in Government delegates, then offered adjourn-in-memory statements for Lawrence Champion Blake Sr., Joseph Anthony DeMaria, and Major Tyler Bracconi.
SACRAMENTO — The California State Senate used a portion of its floor time today to recognize student achievement and youth civic engagement and to offer adjourn-in-memory tributes to community leaders.
Senator Nilo introduced the Jesuit High School boys cross country team after the chaplain's prayer and the pledge, saying the team won the 2025 California Interscholastic Federation Division II championship and noting the school’s 11th title. He named coaches Walt Lang, Keegan Smith, Brian Hang and Alani Salcedo and listed team members including Isaac Abbott, Drake Hofer, Kyle Jackery, Lucas Alberts, Connor Bilodeau, Matthew Ogilvy, Ryan Tate, Rafa Jobson and John Kelly. "I ask you, to join me in congratulating this incredible achievement of these coaches and tremendous athletes," Nilo said.
Senator Grove added remarks supporting the recognition and highlighted three seniors headed to Duke, UCLA and Cal Poly. Senator Laird introduced delegates taking part in the YMCA Youth in Government program and named several youth leaders representing Berkeley, Sonoma and other delegations; Senator Jones welcomed the delegates to the Capitol and described meeting with them at a public policy center.
Following ceremonial introductions, senators offered several adjourn-in-memory statements. Senator Smallwood Cuevas asked the Senate to adjourn in memory of Superintendent Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake Sr., describing his decades of leadership at West Angeles Church of God in Christ and his community work. "May we carry forward his example remembering the very best of California," Smallwood Cuevas said. Senator Cortese offered an adjourn-in-memory for Joseph Anthony DeMaria of San Jose, summarizing his civic involvements and family legacy. Senator Blake Spear delivered remarks honoring Major Tyler Bracconi, a Marine Corps aviator who died in a training accident; Blake Spear closed, "Semper Fidelis, thank you."
The Senate then recessed and announced its next scheduled floor session for Tuesday, 02/17/2026, at 2 p.m.
