[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E951-E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE CHOPTICON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Chopticon High 
School Marching Band on earning the title of United States Scholastic 
Band Association Group IIIA Maryland State Champions. ``The Showband of 
Southern Maryland'' from Morganza, Maryland, has earned this title for 
the past three consecutive years.
  This momentous victory was made all the more significant given the 
caliber of their competition. After competing previously at three 
regional competitions, the band took first place at the State 
Championship, hosted by Towson University on October 15, 2011 with 
their performance titled ``The Heart of Madness.'' The

[[Page E952]]

band went on to compete and place fourth at the National Championship 
in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
  This victory demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and 
discipline, we can reach our goals. The band also received awards for 
best music, effect, visual, performance, and guard. Fifty-three 
musicians qualified for the performance, and they remained focused and 
determined to achieve their dream of victory at the statewide 
competition.
  I want to applaud the band's staff--Todd Burroughs, Christina 
Burroughs, Bobby Jones, Mark Lortz, Megan Howell, Briscoe Thompson, and 
Kevin Burroughs for their dedication and commitment to training these 
superb musicians. I also send my hardiest congratulations to the 
members of the marching band on their victory--Carrie Barrett, Alexis 
Badovski, Samantha Lockard, Breanna Thorne, Brendan Utt, Bailie 
Anthony, Elizabeth Barnes, William Husk, Kacey Roberts, Jennifer 
Russnogle, Paula Wills, Robert Konen, Chris Mitchell, Marlena Krauth, 
Jennifer Thalman, Sam Prettyman, Dakota Sparks, Josh Wetherald, 
Geoffrey Westbrook, Joey Coleman, Kelsie Gill, Philip Hayden, Garret 
Ordille, Matt Ordille, Megan Mosier, Nick Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Kelly 
Purdy, Jacob Thorne, Kayla Bean, Kolleen Dare, Jake Flowers, Jennafer 
Harris, Rachel Kaper, Kayla Morris, Taylor McQueeney, Nicole Sadecki, 
Hunter Sparks, Madison Bateman, Rachel Escolopio, Amber Griffith, 
Sabrina Hill, Danielle Hilton, Carly Keating, Hannah Kozlowski, Emily 
McKoy, Rachel Nussberger, Darby Powell, Layne Thompson, Melanie 
Thompson, Kristen Wetzel, Mackenize Wood, Meredith Wood, and Gina 
Zanelotti.
  I'm very proud of these young men and women, and I congratulate all 
those involved in bringing home the championship title. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in applauding this significant accomplishment.

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