[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 65 (Friday, May 16, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO REGINALD MAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Snowbarger] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SNOWBARGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
teacher.
  Reginald May directs the instrumental music program at F.L. Schlagle 
High School in Kansas City, KS, home of the Mighty Marching Stallions.
  Mr. May has been a music instructor in the Kansas City area for 
yearly 20 years. He is credited with forming the first middle school 
marching band in the Kansas City, MO, school district and since 1993 
has been in charge of the music and auxiliary marching programs at 
Schlagle.
  Mr. May leads his students in performing all over the community, at 
churches, day care centers, charitable fund-raising activities, and 
corporate events. I first met Mr. May 3 weeks ago when I was speaking 
at a memorial service on the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. 
He conducted the Schlagle band at the service and we were all very 
appreciative for their contribution that day.
  The marching band has been nationally recognized, including a second 
place finish in the national parade division at the Circle City Classic 
parade in Indianapolis. Likewise, many of his individual students have 
received academic honors and recognition for personal achievements.
  One of Mr. May's special challenges has been to keep his students in 
school. He bonds with his students, not only as their teacher, but as 
their mentor and their friend. He believes in their potential and helps 
them believe in themselves. He is a great influence on the 
determination of many of his students to not only stay in high school, 
but to go on to college.
  But make no mistake. Mr. May is not an easy touch. His music classes 
are as tough and challenging as they are fun and rewarding. To quote 
Mr. May, ``High standards and no-nonsense policies are set by the 
Schlagle High School Band program. If you believe in young people and 
give 110 percent, they will give you the same in return.'' The marching 
band program's stated goals are to strive to be the best and to 
demonstrate pride, perfection in musicianship and precision in 
marching.
  But the mark of a great teacher can often be his or her ability to 
help guide students toward a fulfilling career. Thanks to Mr. May's 
skill, devotion and enthusiasm, many of his students have chosen a 
music career. One way he encourages this is by bringing in first rate 
professional musicians like blues guitarist Michael ``Hawkeye'' Herman 
to play with his students. According to a news account, that session 
with Schlagle students in 1995, which lasted for hours, included an 
impromptu performance of the classic ``Kansas City'' by ``Hawkeye'' 
Herman.
  Obviously, Mr. May knows how to make music fun for his students. As 
the acting principal of Schlagle High School, Mary Stewart wrote to me 
that Mr. May's students are proud to say they go to Schlagle, the 
school with the great band.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this great teacher, Reginald May, is 
leading a great band at a great school in my district. I thank the 
House for allowing me to recognize today the contribution he makes to 
our community.

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