[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the students and teachers from Valley High School in 
West Des Moines, IA for achieving the top score in the 1999 National 
GRAMMY Signature School Competition.
  It took hard work and dedication to achieve this honor, and I 
congratulate the students, teachers, and others who make it happen. 
Valley High School enrolls over 2,200 students, and fully 600 students, 
nearly a third of the student body, participates in one or more music 
programs. On February 4, 1999 the GRAMMY Signature School designated 
Valley High School the best music program among 250 public schools from 
around the country. They were judged by a panel of top musical 
educators and professionals and were selected based on their high level 
of commitment to music education.
  In light of this announcement, U.S Secretary of Education Richard W. 
Riley, said, ``At a time when creativity and communication skills are 
at a premium, schools likes those being recognized at this program are 
using arts for their rich potential to captivate and engage students in 
the process of learning. The arts help children learn to solve 
problems, think creatively, and develop mental discipline, which are 
valuable skills for any academic endeavor.''
  Mr. President, year after year underfunded public schools continue to 
slash funding for all forms of arts and humanities education, thereby 
weakening the strong cultural heritage the United States has always 
enjoyed. We should therefore commend the students and teachers of the 
Valley High School music program for their commitment to a quality 
music education, and the benefits their efforts reap upon the cultural 
landscape of the state of Iowa. It is a true honor to serve as their 
Senator, and I believe they are examples of what all Americans should 
strive to be.

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