[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL'S PIPE BAND

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                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Saint Thomas 
Episcopal School's Pipe Band in Houston, Texas, winners this summer of 
the World Championship Bagpipe competition in Glasgow, Scotland.
  St. Thomas's Episcopal School is a private parochial school located 
in Houston. Founded in 1955, it has an enrollment of more that 675 
students in grades K-12. St. Thomas' Pipe Band is just one example of 
the school's commitment to producing world class students and citizens.
  In August, Saint Thomas Episcopal School's Pipe Band won five 
championships in Canada and Scotland: the North American Championship, 
the North Berwick Championship, the World Juvenile Championship, the 
Rothesay Championship, and the Cowal Pipe Band Championship. No 
American pipe band has won so many international championships in such 
a short time. That a group of 30 schoolboys from Texas achieved this 
feat is remarkable. This is the third time that Saint Thomas' Pipe Band 
has won a world championship, the most for any American band.
  Band director Michael Cusack had band members practicing three times 
a week for several months before the trip. By the time they got to 
Scotland they were playing so well that they decided to compete against 
semi-professional bands in Grade II at the Rothesay Highland games 
after winning the juvenile division. They placed second overall and 
first in drumming.
  At the World Pipe Band Championships, the band dedicated its 
performance to retiring headmaster Henry L. Walters, Jr. Mr. Walters 
has been headmaster since 1964 and was instrumental in promoting this 
program. For a short time, he even taught drumming.
  Mr. Speaker, against overwhelming odds these young men distinguished 
themselves not only by their outstanding performance, but by their 
example to others in their school and community. Every day, we fight 
the battle to keep music and the arts viable and funding for our 
schools at a level which permits such achievements. These young people 
are an example of what can be accomplished when the necessary support 
is present. It is up to many of us in this body to ensure that all our 
children have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
  To the students I say congratulations for an outstanding tour. To 
their families, teachers, friends and classmates, I say thank you for 
supporting these young men with your love, guidance and, friendship. We 
all make a difference.

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