[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE BALLOU SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
District's own Ballou Senior High School Marching Band for its recent 
extraordinary achievement at the Home Depot National Battle of the 
Bands Competition. The band, numbering 86 members, placed second among 
eight bands in a competition which included 110 entrants in the initial 
field. Ballou deserves recognition from the House of Representatives 
not only because of this notable accomplishment. I ask the Congress to 
recognize the Ballou Marching Band also because these students, led by 
their able and devoted band director, Darrell Watson, overcame nearly 
impossible odds.
  The high school is located in one of the city's most disadvantaged 
and besieged communities. The students have lived with unusual human 
tragedy, including the fatal shooting of two fellow students this year. 
Also in 2003, the school was closed for more than a month because of an 
accidental mercury spill. At the end of the school year, many of the 
problems of the school were blamed on allegations of poor leadership 
and the principal was dismissed.
  This is not an atmosphere conducive to producing award winning bands. 
Yet, the Ballou Marching Band's band director and the new principal, 
Daniel Hudson, persevered. However, talent, intelligence, diligence and 
dedication could not cover the $70,000 needed to travel to California 
to compete. The often struggling families of the students, and their 
inner-city community certainly did not have such funds. Still, the band 
and their school did not give up. They sought help from the business 
community, alumni and others. Many were moved by the determination of 
the students. Among the many contributors who made the trip possible 
were Federal Express--inspired by a Ballou alumna who was a vice 
president--Lockheed Martin, Embassy Suites Hotels, and William C. Smith 
and Company. The outpouring of love and support that the Ballou 
band received was inspired not only by the need, but by the students' 
own determination and efforts in doing car washes and selling dinners 
to earn funds for the trip.

  The concrete show of confidence in these children enabled the band's 
participation and its prize-winning finish. In fact, the competition 
was razor close, and Ballou almost came away with the top prize. Its 
reward was a trip to Disneyland and the opportunity to play in the 
holiday parade. The larger and lasting reward is the sense of 
accomplishment the students received and the opportunity to broaden 
their horizons and expectations concerning where hard work and high 
aspirations can lead. On a visit to the school, I was moved to see the 
effect of the band's achievements on the entire student body, which 
gathered to celebrate the band with principal, teachers and staff all 
present. The band director, Darrell Watson, spoke of the numerous 
compliments he received, including words of praise concerning the 
exemplary behavior of the members of the band. Principal Hudson is 
leading the students to transfer the band's achievement to academic 
achievement as well for the student body.
  I am proud that the band represented the city so well and proud to 
represent the band, the school, and the community in the Congress of 
the United States. Last week I wrote to President Bush to ask that the 
Ballou Band march in the upcoming Inaugural Parade. Considering what 
the band has achieved and the obstacles the students have overcome, I 
believe that the band and the school deserve this national recognition. 
Mr. Speaker, the Ballou Senior High School Marching Band deserves the 
accolades the band is receiving since returning from California. I ask 
the House of Representatives to add its own congratulations as well.

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