[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL AND ITS AWARD-WINNING MUSIC PROGRAM

 Mr LEVIN. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure to 
congratulate the staff and students of Pioneer High School in Ann 
Arbor, Michigan, for the school's designation as a 2004 GRAMMY 
Signature School. Pioneer is one of 41 high schools nationwide being 
honored by the GRAMMY Foundation for making an outstanding commitment 
to music education during the 2003-2004 school year. I am also pleased 
to note that Pioneer's program was placed in the gold category, making 
it among the seven best in the Nation.
  Established in 1989, the GRAMMY Foundation engages in programs and 
activities that cultivate the understanding and appreciation of 
recorded music and its impact on American culture. The GRAMMY Signature 
School program, with the most enthusiastic support of Dr. Pepper/7 Up, 
Inc., honors schools that recognize the positive effects that the arts 
and music have on young people and rewards these schools with a 
financial grant that assists them in continuing their exemplary music 
programs into the following school year.
  Last fall, the foundation contacted more than 20,000 public high 
schools to learn more about each school's music program. Competing with 
large and small institutions situated in rural and urban communities 
across America, Pioneer High School submitted its application to a 
panel comprised of top music educators and professionals. Its vocal and 
instrumental repertoire distinguished Pioneer as a secondary school 
committed to providing its students with an exceptional music 
education. As one of the gold category schools, Pioneer will receive a 
grant of $5,000 that will help the music department preserve and 
enhance its already remarkable music program.
  Providing an excellent music education for students enriches the 
entire learning experience. It is my honor to thank the staff and 
administrators at Pioneer who are responsible for supporting a solid 
foundation of music appreciation. I also wish to thank the young 
musicians who willingly dedicate their time and energy toward enhancing 
their own music abilities and urge them to share their love of music 
with the following generations. I am confident my colleagues will join 
me in offering our heartfelt congratulations for this outstanding 
achievement.

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