[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 154 (Tuesday, December 4, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING BENJAMIN STRALEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2012

  Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Benjamin 
Straley on being named Assistant Organist at the National Cathedral in 
Washington D.C. His dedication to sacred music and continued education 
is truly remarkable. Today, Mr. Straley holds his position on the 
incredible music staff at the National Cathedral and shares playing 
responsibilities with two other organists.
  Mr. Straley is an Ohio native from the 15th Congressional District, 
and he has proven to be one of the top organists in the nation. A 
recent graduate of Yale University, Mr. Straley studied sacred music 
and theological education and earned many awards and recognitions. 
Included among his many accomplishments is the Baker Prize, a prize 
awarded to incoming organ students at Yale deemed to be in the top one 
or two percent of young organists in the country. Mr. Straley was also 
one of the few Americans in the entire history of the Haarlem Organ 
Festival invited to compete in its prestigious improvisation contest.
  I would again like to congratulate Benjamin Straley on being named 
Assistant Organist at the National Cathedral. The people of Ohio's 15th 
District are dedicated, hardworking people, and Mr. Straley's 
accomplishments make me proud to represent the 15th District in 
Congress.

                          ____________________