[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHELLE RAKERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2000

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend a former constituent of 
mine, Michelle Rakers of Aviston, Illinois. Michelle now plays trumpet 
for the elite United States Marine Band.
  As one of eleven children, Michelle comes from a very musically 
inclined family where all her siblings played an instrument. Michelle's 
determination is a testament to her success. Let me explain. She 
auditioned five times before she was selected as a member of the band. 
She never took no for an answer. I want to congratulate her for her 
success and thank her for her determination--we can all learn a lesson 
from her example.

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