[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CONGRATULATING THE GARDNER GRADE SCHOOL CHORUS

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 1998

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Gardner 
Grade School Chorus of Gardner, IL. on their recent performance at Walt 
Disney World in Orlando, FL.
  At the direction of Patti Johnson, the Gardner Grade School Chorus 
had a dream back in 1996, that it would someday have a chance to 
perform at Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. After a year of research, 
planning, rehearsals, and raising the funds that were needed to make 
the trip to Orlando, the Gardner Grade School Chorus realized their 
dream on June 9, 1997.
  The journey to Orlando by the 40 member chorus and 10 chaperones 
began on June 7, 1997. After saying their goodbyes to family and 
friends, the chorus was escorted through Gardner by the local police 
and fire departments as they began their 23-hour bus ride to the Magic 
Kingdom. In short Mr. Speaker, this was not a dream come true just for 
the chorus, it was a dream come true for an entire town.
  On June 9, 1997 the long-awaited dream was finally fulfilled. 
Outlasting the Florida rain, the chorus dazzled the audience as they 
performed on the Tomorrowland Stage in the Magic Kingdom. The chorus 
performed several selections in their 25-minute performance including, 
``Dance, Dance, Dance'', ``Sea of the Cowboy'', and ``Footloose''. On 
June 10 the Chorus participated in a 3-hour music education workshop at 
the Epcot Center, where chorus members received first hand knowledge on 
how Disney prepares its shows from the Disney cast.
  Now as you might suspect Mr. Speaker, this trip was not all work and 
no play. On the final 2 days of their trip, chorus members explored the 
theme parks and took part in many of the activities in the Orlando 
area, taking advantage of a much deserved rest before returning home to 
Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, the Gardner Grade School Chorus had a dream that they 
would perform at Walt Disney World someday, and they did. Thanks to the 
hard work of its members, directors and chaperones, the Gardner Grade 
School Chorus not only realized their dream, but, they shared their 
dream with their parents, schoolmates, town, and the people in the 
audience at the Magic Kingdom. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in saluting the Gardner Grade School Chorus and their very special 
performance at Disney World, and I ask that a list of those who 
participated on this trip be included in the Record following my 
statement.

                                Director

       Patti Johnson.


                              Fifth Grade

       Carissa Crater, Jaime Wade.


                              Sixth Grade

       Laura Bivens, Rhonda Brookman, Nicole DeToye, Misti 
     Domagala, Rachel Hanson, Lynsi Lardi, Nicci Mack, Krystle 
     Phillips, Nikki Rowland, Jonathan Scheel, Sarah Sibley, 
     Lauren Zagar.


                             Seventh Grade

       Brandon Carwell, Milly Chase, Tiffany Hullet, Cassie 
     Kirkpatrick, Krystal Lamping, Renee Moore, Jacob Olson, Carly 
     Scheuber, Samantha Serena, Brigid Sweeney, Ashley Wade, Vicki 
     Wayne, Mary Wollgast.


                              Eighth Grade

       Becky Christensen, Candi Forsythe, Beth Hanson, Cindy 
     Harrop, Mindy Harvey, Meghan Holohan, David Wayne.


                              Ninth Grade

       Jeanette Bivens, Kathy Bolton, Elizabeth Esparza, Amber 
     Forsythe, Mary Landers, Anne Wollgast.


                               Chaperones

       Sandy Harrop, Pam Holohan, Janine Lardi, Sharon Zagar, 
     Becci Forsythe, Mary Hanson, Jody Harop, Denise Sibley, Wendy 
     Rowland, Greg Bingheim, Dick Johnson.

     

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