[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 2 (Thursday, January 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE CORAL GABLES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL RUEDA KIDS

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 1997

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity 
to express my congratulations to the Coral Gables Senior High School 
Rueda Kids for their fantastic dancing abilities and their desire to 
keep our Hispanic heritage alive through their performances in Cuban 
salsa music--Rueda Casino. Their exceptional talent and dedication to 
this art has brought much happiness to all those who have been 
privileged enough to witness their dances.
  The Gables Rueda Kids started only last year as an informal group and 
has since then received two awards from the U.S. Postal Service and won 
first prize and a special award at the Dade County Youth Fair in March. 
Among the group's future plan is to compete in a State competition to 
be held next spring and the member's participation in the Calle Ocho 
festival held yearly in Miami honoring their Cuban heritage.
  The dancers are 13 students, 10 of whom were born in Cuba, 2 of Cuban 
parents and 1 that is originally from Honduras. Michael Alonso, 
Kathleen Andino, Yurlaimes Caballero, Anyer Cruz, Niviys Diaz, David 
Espinosa, Yulaidy Lopez, Eddy Gamayo, Evelyn Gonzalez, David Hernandez, 
Jesus Moreno, Carlos Osle and Alicia Reyes-Quesada, who is also their 
teacher, compose the group. All 13 demonstrate their love for salsa 
music through their dances and prove that America's teenagers are aware 
of their cultural background and display it with pride.
  I commend them not only on their desire to keep their Hispanic 
heritage alive, but also in their spirit and commitment to share it 
with everyone else.

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