[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE BARBARA MASHBURN SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE BARBARA MASHBURN 
                          SCHOLARSHIP SINGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Barbara Mashburn 
Scholarship Fund and the Barbara Mashburn Scholarship Singers.
  Recently, the Barbara Mashburn Singers gave three very patriotic and 
festive holiday performances in the Third District of Arkansas. These 
singers and their foundation have traditionally been special invited 
guests of the White House in several previous Christmas seasons. 
However, the events of September 11th and the recent Executive Order 
closing the White House to public events this Christmas has led the 
foundation to use their vocal talents back home in Arkansas instead by 
performing at three different Northwest Arkansas locations to honor the 
victims of September 11th and our nation.
  The Barbara Mashburn Foundation, as the only vocal music scholarship 
program of its kind in the nation, was formed in 1993 by Dr. James and 
Barbara Mashburn of Fayetteville. The Foundation, funded entirely 
through donations, fundraising events, grants and an annual gift by the 
founders, the Mashburns themselves. Patrons of these events have told 
me of the excellent job these young people have done in promoting 
patriotism during this holiday season.
  On this day, when we remember the importance of the holidays before 
us and the resurgence of patriotism in this country, I would like to 
salute the Barbara Mashburn Singers for their efforts to promote the 
well-being of our nation. We don't often see individuals with foresight 
and personal sacrifices as the Mashburns have displayed. They continue 
to invest their personal time and finances to mentor a new generation 
of contemporary musicians, vocalists and performers. Each of the 
Barbara Mashburn Foundation Scholarship students gains much more than a 
musical scholarship, these students take part in leadership 
conferences; attend financial seminars and luncheons on manners; 
prepare and meet budgets and they become goodwill ambassadors through 
the promotion of their positive lifestyles and the role music can play 
in everyday life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in honoring 
the great tradition of the Barbara Mashburn Scholarship Foundation and 
its talented singers. Their usual performance at the White House this 
Christmas season will certainly be missed. May they soon return to 
Washington, DC and the White House Christmas celebrations of future 
years, and may they continue to serve as role models for the young 
people of America.

                          ____________________