[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE POLO HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING PANTHER PRIDE BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2003

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Polo High 
School Marching Panther Pride Band from Caldwell County, Missouri. The 
band, comprised of 7th through 12th grade students, has had many 
significant accomplishments in the last year. Most recently, the band 
has been honored with an invitation to play at the 2003 Toyota Gator 
Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. I, along with Polo High School students 
and administrators, are proud of the band's successes.
  The band has worked very hard in competition to establish a 
reputation of marching excellence over the last two school years, which 
was a pre-requisite for their acceptance in the 2003 Gator Bowl Parade. 
Additionally, the band has been acknowledged for many outstanding 
achievements including 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Carollton 
Band Day in 2001, 1st place in the class 1A parade at CMC Band Day in 
2001, 1st place in class 1A at the Northwest Missouri State University 
Homecoming Flag Corps in 2002, the color guard competition in 2001, 1st 
place in the class 1A parade at the Missouri Day Parade in 2002, 1st 
place in the class 1A Parade at Central Missouri State University 
Homecoming in 2002, 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Northwest 
Missouri State University homecoming in 2002, and 1st place in the 
Chillicothe Christmas Parade in 2002.
  Many students have dedicated their time and effort to making the band 
the accomplished organization that it is. I commend the time and 
dedication these students have put forth being a part of this wonderful 
after school activity while also working hard at their studies. Marisa 
Fultz, Drum Major and Field Commander and Brenna Hicks, Assistant Drum 
Major have worked very hard to ensure that the band performs at it's 
best.
  Additionally, the band has received a great deal of support from the 
education community, including the Board of Education, Mrs. Marla 
Barnes, President of the Board of Education, Mr. Gerald Snodgrass, 
Superintendent, Mr. Robert Newhart, Polo High School Principal, Ms. 
Beverly McQueen, Elementary School Principal, and the band boosters led 
by president Darrin Hicks.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Polo High 
School Marching Panther Pride Band. The band is a primary example of 
educational excellence in North Missouri and in their community. I wish 
them the best of luck at the Gator Bowl!

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