[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 110 (Monday, July 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9603-S9604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MILO WINTER
Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I am pleased to pay tribute to an
outstanding educator, Mr. Milo Winter, of Rapid City, SD. Throughout
his career, he made tremendous contributions to our State in music
education.
For the past 26 years, Milo served as band director at Stevens High
School. The community of Rapid City knows him for his commitment to
education and his drive for excellence. However, his reputation extends
far beyond the borders of our State. He is known across the United
States for his work at band festivals and clinics.
To see Milo's positive effect on his students and the community, one
needs only look at the achievements of the Rapid City Stevens Band. In
1975, the band was selected by the United States Bicentennial
Commission to represent the United States at a music festival held in
the former Czechoslovakia. This was the first performance by an
American high school band behind the Iron Curtain. In 1981 and 1984,
the band received first place honors at the Cherry Blossom Band
Festival here in Washington, DC. The band's appearance in the 1987
Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, marked the first time a
band from South Dakota performed in this world-famous parade. Perhaps
the greatest honor the band has earned is the Sudler Flag of Honor.
This award, presented in 1987, is one of the most prestigious awards a
band can receive. To receive this award, bands must be nominated for
their outstanding performance of march music and be approved by a
national committee.
[[Page S 9604]]
Milo's leadership made these achievements possible. He consistently
set high expectations for students, then saw them through with his own
blend of encouragement and discipline. He demanded much of his
students, but gave generously of his talent and effort in return.
This drive for excellence has been with Milo throughout his life.
After receiving his degree from Augustana and his masters from the
University of South Dakota, Milo continued his pursuit of music by
serving in the U.S. Army Band for 2 years.
Upon leaving the Army, Milo taught music at Beresford High School.
After 2 years as the band director at Rapid City Central High, he
accepted the position as band director at the newly created Rapid City
Stevens High where he continued teaching for the rest of his career.
Milo instilled a love of music in many students, but countless
students came away from his classroom with much more. The lessons they
learned about setting goals, teamwork, attention to detail, and
perseverance will stay with students throughout their lives. Many of
these students will count Mr. Winter among those leaders who forever
shaped their careers and characters. Mr. President, students in South
Dakota have been blessed with a tremendous teacher and role model. On
behalf of the people of South Dakota, I thank Milo and wish him the
best in his retirement.
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I will probably require longer time than the
remaining minutes before 1 o'clock. I ask unanimous consent that I may
use such time as I may consume.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Frist). Without objection, it is so
ordered.
____________________