[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1060-E1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE KEELY JARDELL SCHOOL OF DANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2000

  Mr. NICK LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
outstanding accomplishment of the young ladies of Keely Jardell's 
School of Dance in Nederland, Texas. The school consists of 
approximately 500 students

[[Page E1061]]

from throughout the area of southeast Texas ranging from ages six to 
eighteen years of age. The school focuses not only on dancing, but also 
on the importance of discipline and character. In addition to studying 
in the Jardell School of Dance, the students also participate in 
academic, athletic, and religious activities within the community. 
Practicing 12-15 hours a week, these young ladies have demonstrated an 
ability to balance their responsibilities and excel in them with grace. 
Lessons like these give the students of the Keely Jardell School of 
Dance skills that will be invaluable to them as they encounter 
challenges in their futures. These young ladies serve as role models to 
their peers and to members of the community as well.
  Recently, sixty-nine of these students participated in regional 
competitions in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, in Houston, and across the state 
of Texas. Members of the team devoted countless hours to perfecting 
their craft; their efforts have payed off. At regional competitions, 
the school was awarded the highest score, judge's choice, choreography, 
overall high score, and spirit awards. Their outstanding performances 
at the regional level has qualified them for the National Competition 
in San Antonio, Texas this summer. The prestige of the school and its 
talented performers is known well throughout the nation. In late 1999, 
an invitation was received inviting the girls to perform in Washington 
D.C. and in New York City during the month of July, 2000. The members 
of the school have graciously honored the request and will be 
performing Sunday July 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Post Office Pavilion, 
here in Washington. I urge all who have the opportunity to enjoy a 
truly amazing show worthy of your time.
  After the appearance in Washington, the performers will attend 
special dance classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. 
Numerous fund-raisers and community events are being staged to defray 
the expenses of the trip. It has been a total commitment of all 
involved, but well worth the work. The members of the Keely Jardell 
School of Dance have relentlessly committed themselves to perfecting 
their talents in preparation for the National Competition.
  Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have the honor of commending the 
students of the Keely Jardell School of Dance on their astounding 
achievements and abilities. Young people such as these should serve as 
examples to America of the extraoridinary breed of leaders it can 
expect in its future. These young ladies deserve our attention, 
support, and best wishes as they demonstrate the remarkable product of 
their labor and talent.

                          ____________________