[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7063-S7064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO PATRICK HENRY HUGHES

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I honor a young and accomplished 
musician from my home State of Kentucky. Patrick Henry Hughes, a

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17-year-old from Louisville, is the recipient of the 2005 VSA arts 
Panasonic Young Soloists Award, a national award reserved for young 
musicians with disabilities. Patrick has received the VSA arts of 
Kentucky Young Soloists Award yearly since 2001.
  Patrick was born without eyes and is completely blind. He also has 
webbing in his arms and legs that prevent him from walking. These 
handicaps have not hampered his musical or intellectual ability, 
however, as Patrick is clearly a star on the rise.
  An accomplished pianist and vocalist, Patrick performed at the John 
F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 16, 2005. He has also 
performed at the Grand Ole Opry, and has shared the stage with Emmy 
Award-winning singer Pam Tillis, county music band Lonestar, and 
country music stars Lane Brody, Chad Brock, Bryan White, and Faith 
Hill.
  In addition to playing the piano and singing tenor in his school's 
chorus, Patrick plays the trumpet in his school's concert and jazz 
bands. He has been selected to perform in many All-State band and 
choral festivals, receiving several distinguished awards for each. 
Patrick currently studies with Hinda Ordman, a Juilliard graduate.
  Clearly a talented musician, Patrick also strives scholastically. He 
is a junior at Atherton High School and participates in the 
international baccalaureate program where he has maintained a 3.99 
grade point average. Patrick received the Presidential Award for 
Outstanding Academic Achievement from both President Bill Clinton and 
President George W. Bush.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Louisvillian Patrick 
Henry Hughes for his personal and musical accomplishments.

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