[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 37 (Monday, March 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF THE OHIO STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND MARCHING BAND ON 
            MARCHING IN THE 2010 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ohio State 
School for the Blind Marching Band, who in January 2010, became the 
first blind marching band in the nation to march in the Tournament of 
Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Thirty-five talented and 
inspirational blind students, accompanied by their sighted marching 
assistants, demonstrated their unique abilities by marching alongside 
some of the nation's top marching bands.
  Located in Columbus, the publicly-funded Ohio State School for the 
Blind offers academic, vocational, and extra-curricular opportunities 
to its students. The school is committed to developing their students' 
potential by partnering with the community to ensure that their 
students' educational experience is both effective and enjoyable.
  The Ohio State School for the Blind has the only fully blind marching 
band in the nation. Before joining the Tournament of Roses Parade, the 
marching band performed at the Ohio School for the Deaf football games 
and other local events. This unique marching band was formed in 2005 
and the members were thrilled to discover in October 2008 that their 
application to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade had been 
approved.
  January 1, 2010, was an exciting day for central Ohio. In addition to 
celebrating the victory of The Ohio State Buckeyes over the University 
of Oregon Ducks, I was proud to see the young people of the Ohio State 
School for the Blind Marching Band represent our district with such 
passion and skill. The marching band completed the full parade route of 
almost six miles and participated in the halftime show, wowing the 
crowds with their signature performance of Script Ohio in Braille.
  The Ohio School for the Blind provides an immeasurable service to our 
blind children and their families. Their marching band's recent trip to 
California is an excellent example of one of the many achievements 
these dedicated and talented students have attained. It is with great 
pride that I honor the Ohio State School for the Blind and congratulate 
its stellar Marching Band on such a remarkable achievement.

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