[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1015-E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF OTTAWA TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to the 
Music Department of Ottawa Township High School of Ottawa, IL, for the 
remarkable achievement of winning the Illinois State Championship in 
Music competition for the third consecutive year.
  For nearly the past two decades, the Ottawa Township High School 
Music Department has dominated the Illinois High School Association 
music competition by finishing in the top three places fourteen times 
and never lower than ninth place. On only four occasions in the history 
of the music competition have schools compiled more than 1,000 points. 
Two of these four 1,000-plus point finishes belong to Ottawa Township 
High School. The Ottawa Township High School Music Department also 
holds the State record for most points earned in the Illinois High 
School Association Solo and Ensemble contest.
  Clearly, Ottawa Township High School offers its students and 
community many outstanding music education opportunities. Currently, 
270 students take advantage of these opportunities by participating in 
Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Freshman Girls Choir, Symphonic Band, Jazz 
Choir, and Jazz Band.
  Special congratulations must be offered to Mr. Roger Amm, Vocal Music 
Director, and to Ms. Sarah Reckmeyer, Director of Bands.

[[Page E1016]]

Their hard work, commitment, and leadership have undoubtedly played a 
major role in building the statewide dominance of Ottawa Township High 
School's Music Department.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am proud and pleased to be able to offer 
to my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives the example of 
Ottawa Township High School as an educational institution where 
excellence in the fine arts is strongly encouraged. From its 
outstanding music program to its incredible, multi-million-dollar 
collection of artwork on display throughout the school building to its 
vibrant 25 year old annual music festival, Ottawa Township High School 
provides its fortunate students with an all too rare appreciation of 
the fine arts.

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