[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E473-E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING VINCENT COSMANO, BAND DIRECTOR OF O'FALLON TOWNSHIP HIGH 
                                 SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring Vince Cosmano on his retirement and the 30 years of 
service he has given to O'Fallon Township High School in O'Fallon, 
Illinois.
  The second of five children, born to James and Jean Cosmano of 
Chicago, Vince came from a family proud of their Italian heritage. As a 
youth, Vince was an achiever, performing in the high school band and 
attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. His passion for teamwork was shaped 
during his high school years where he excelled in football and 
swimming. Learning and an education were highly valued traits in the 
Cosmano household, Vince's brothers Don and Bill chose careers in 
education and his sister Jean Marie and youngest brother Richard 
succeeded in their respective fields of work.
  In college, Vince followed his passion, studying history at Illinois 
State University and playing the french horn. Fortunately, for the 
future high school band students at OTHS, Vince's love for music became 
his calling. He graduated from ISU with a B.S. in Education in 1965, 
followed by a Masters in Music Education in 1971. From 1965 to 1971, 
Vince taught school, first in Wyoming, then Piper City and later 
Chillicothe. O'Fallon, Illinois would soon welcome and embrace the 
dynamic Vince Cosmano to their music department.
  In August of 1976, the music department at OTHS was poised for 
change. The newly established Panther football program was open for 
competition and Edward A. Fulton was moving from the High School music 
program to his roots in the junior high music program. The Marching 
Panthers Band of OTHS was just 10 years old. The Panthers first were 
served by John Albert, then Ed Fulton and then it came to Vince 
Cosmano. At that time, the band consisted of 130 members with a total 
of 4 buses and no equipment trucks. Vince debuted with the Panthers at 
the 1977 U of I field show competition, winning second place in field, 
third in parade and a drum major caption award.
  The OTHS Marching Panthers have since garnered grand championships, 
national parades (including appearances at the Macy's and the 
Tournament of Roses parades), television appearances and hundreds of 
other awards. Through all of the trophies, awards and citations, the 
OTHS Marching Panthers have gained national renown and an even stronger 
program under Vince's direction. Currently, the music program is 
comprised of 250 students, six buses, three equipment trucks, legions 
of OTHS alumni with support from parents, colleagues, fans and friends.
  Vince always credited the students of the Marching Panthers for their 
diligence and hard work--only with great reluctance did he ever accept 
individual recognition. He was previously named ``O'Fallon's Man of the 
Year'' and served as the President of the Illinois Music Educators 
Association, District 6. In

[[Page E474]]

1999, the Illinois High School Association honored him as the state's 
Outstanding Music Educator. A national honor quickly followed as Vince 
was chosen as the Outstanding Music Educator for a seven state area by 
the National High School Association. Vince exemplifies the philosophy 
that hard work equals good things.
  As Vince retires, he will enjoy time with his fiancee Sue and his 
three sons, Tim, Jeff and Patrick. His favorite teaching activities--
concert band, music theory and private lessons--will be replaced by 
fishing, swimming and gardening. Vince will always be remembered as a 
man of presence and a man of action. Whether getting the students up at 
4 a.m. to be ready to march in the Macy's parade or helping to take 
tickets at a Panther Football game, Vince was there.
  It has been through his direct efforts that he has instilled the 
qualities of music and respect into the hearts of the many students he 
has touched.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vince Cosmano 
and to recognize his commitment to community service.

                          ____________________