[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1663-E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF BROOKLYN CENTER JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN BROOKLYN 
                           CENTER, MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, last evening I had the great 
pleasure to join in a celebration in honor of our Nation's high schools 
that have made an outstanding commitment to music education. As a 
strong supporter of the arts and music education, it was a pleasure to 
sit among music industry supporters, arts advocates, individuals in the 
private sector, and corporate sponsors such as 7UP, who work every day 
to ensure that young people have access to strong music education 
programs.
  It was an even greater privilege to be part of a celebration where a 
Minnesota high school headlined the event. Brooklyn Center Junior/
Senior High School, located in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, received one 
of the Foundation's highest honors--the GRAMMY Foundation's Signature 
Schools Enterprise Award, which honors those schools that make great 
efforts to bring music to economically underserved students. I'd like 
to extend a warm congratulations to Ms. Chris Porter, Brooklyn Center 
High School's music teacher and all of her students, including Chanel 
Chatham, who both traveled to DC to participate in last evening's 
special event.
  As budgets for the arts and arts education continues to dramatically 
decline, I applaud the efforts of the thousands of teachers and 
students across the country who are working to piece together the 
critical funding needed to strengthen, and sometimes simply sustain, 
their music education programs. It is my hope that the federal 
government will recommit its resources to the arts and arts education--
especially since we know that there are strong correlations between 
arts education and achievement in math and science. Our nation's 
ability to compete in an increasingly competitive world will depend on 
not only strong math and science preparation--but also on an emphasis 
in the arts and in music education. As a member of the House Education 
and the Workforce Committee, I will continue to fight for a well-
rounded education for all students.
  I commend the hard work and dedication of the students and staff at 
Brooklyn Center Junior/Senior High School. Thank you for the 
opportunity to join you in your celebration. I look

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forward to hearing more about your continued success in bringing the 
joys and benefits of music to students!

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