[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 53 (Friday, April 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO BILLIE JEAN OSBORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2008

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, the reason our region in 
Kentucky moves forward is because people stand up to be counted. They 
have passion for their community, believe in others, and have a can-do 
spirit to get things done. They radiate optimism wherever they go and 
spread it to others, and it catches fire in the communities in which 
they live. These people are priceless--their passion makes them natural 
leaders.
  One such person is Billie Jean Osborne. Because of her, young people 
in eastern Kentucky learned something that is as vitally important as 
it is elusive--self-confidence. The Kentucky Opry Junior Pros, who 
range in age from elementary school to college-aged students, perform 
live shows for up to 1000 people throughout the year. She gives them a 
musical education and they put that on display for the whole community.
  She did more than give young kids self-confidence. Billie Jean is the 
driving force that led to the creation of the Mountain Arts Center in 
which they perform. Because of this facility, grandparents, parents, 
friends and neighbors can see the talents of these young performers.
  Billie Jean approached many people about building this center in 
1992. She talked to anyone who would listen about this idea and many 
said ``this is great; call us when you're ready.'' It turns out she was 
ready, and made a lot of us ready as well and we got it built 5 years 
later. Communities large and small need a focal point. Whether it is 
the St. Louis arch or the Washington Monument, these landmarks define 
communities by the history and heritage they represent.
  In this region that heritage involves country, bluegrass and gospel 
where folks learned to play guitars, banjoes and sing from their 
parents and grandparents. But for many smaller communities there isn't 
such a landmark or even a place nearby large enough where very many 
people can congregate. Thanks to Billie Jean we have both. It is the 
Mountain Art Center, or simply ``the MAC'' and it is the pride of 
Prestonsburg.
  Her life experience led to the establishment of the Kentucky Opry 
nearly 20 years ago for older musicians. Many Junior Opry members later 
go on to join the Kentucky Opry. A school teacher for 30 years, Billie 
Jean still provides area schools with supplemental music education 
programs. She educates thousands of children with private music 
lessons, plays the organ at her Church, where she's been a member for 
nearly half a century, and started a music education program at the MAC 
at no cost to the students.
  She will be honored at the MAC on April 12. Her students spanning 
generations, current and former members of the Kentucky Opry and Jr. 
Opry and people throughout the region will be there. They will be there 
because Billie Jean Osborne showed us how to take what is in us and put 
it on a stage.
  I am proud to know her and pay tribute to her in the United States 
Congress.

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