[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 1, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNITION OF THE ``FROM THE TOP'' PROGRAM

  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I would like to announce the winner of my 
33rd Innovation in Education Award. This award goes to a national group 
sponsored by Boston Public Radio titled ``From the Top.'' I learned 
about this program when I attended a ``From the Top'' performance in 
Spokane on January 29th. Two students from Washington state, Stephen 
Beus of Othello and Justin Mackewich of Vancouver, participated in the 
concert and I was amazed by their technique and their immense talent. I 
was delighted to see such outstanding students excelling in the arts 
and am pleased to award Stephen and Justin and recognize this 
exceptional program.
  Both Stephen and Justin are very gifted musicians. I was amazed by 
Stephen's skill at the piano and the Four Seasons Quartet that Justin 
played in was astounding. I hope to attend more of their concerts in 
the future.
  ``From the Top'' consists of a series of public radio performances, 
taped in front of live audiences. These performances have been given 
across the country in places like Boston, New York City, Sarasota, 
Florida, and St. Paul, Minnesota. The concept for ``From the Top'' is 
to highlight the performances of exceptional, pre-college age, 
classical musicians. Indeed, their performances make a ``From the Top'' 
concert a remarkable experience.
  An additional positive impact of ``From the Top'' is that it provides 
an arena for people of all ages to enjoy classical music. In today's 
modern world, we must take the time to enjoy the classics and encourage 
our youth to value the great symphonies and music from the past. ``From 
the Top'' is an excellent source for all ages and walks of life to 
learn more about classical music.
  Each week, I give an ``Innovation in Education'' Award to individuals 
or groups within the education system who make outstanding 
contributions to the education of our children. I believe that ``From 
the Top'' gives our students exposure to the arts that provides an 
invaluable enrichment to any child's upbringing. I hope my colleagues 
will join me in recognizing the great contributions of ``From the 
Top''.

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