[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE NORTH PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND OF PICO RIVERA

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                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 1997

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of Pico 
Rivera's North Park Middle School marching band. On Wednesday, January 
1, 1997, this group of talented young individuals participated in the 
108th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, as the first 
group of middle school students to perform in this event in over 45 
years. As I watched the North Park Middle School band on television, I 
was filled with pride that this group of talented youth from my 
congressional district was representing my community. It is through 
their dedication, hard work, and perseverance that the band members 
earned this distinct privilege, and they are to be commended.
  On Monday, May 24, 1993, I stood before my colleagues in the House 
and honored this same group of young people for their commitment to 
excellence. I spoke of the band members and their parents who faced the 
board of education to demand that North Park Middle School's music 
program not be abolished. As a result, funding was continued, and the 
band was bestowed with one of the greatest honors possible: the 
opportunity to perform before millions of viewers in the 1997 Rose 
Parade.
  The outstanding performance demonstrated by each of the band members 
is testimony to the leadership and guidance that the band's director, 
Mr. Ron Wakefield, has provided over the years. Because of Ron's 
dedication and belief in his young musicians, the band never gave up 
its dream of one day performing in the Rose Parade. Helping Ron were 
assistant director, Jose Diaz, parade coordinator, Lou Diaz, and Rhonda 
Cheat, colorguard adviser. I would also like to recognize North Park 
Middle School principal, Robert Martinez, vice principal, Dwight Jones, 
and the parents of the bandmembers for their support of the band's 
efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in recognition of the young 
members of the North Park Middle School band for their tireless efforts 
and outstanding achievements. This talented group of musicians has made 
the Pico Rivera community proud. I, too, am proud to represent such 
fine young men and women, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring them for their hard work and accomplishments.

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