[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 
Duke Ellington School of the Arts in the District of Columbia. The 40th 
Anniversary Celebration launched with a tribute concert at the Kennedy 
Center honoring co-founders Peggy Cooper Carfritz and the late Mike 
Malone. The Duke Ellington School, named in honor of the late great 
Duke Ellington, a Washington native, is one of the premier performing 
arts schools in the nation, and ranked the third Best School in the 
District of Columbia by U.S. News and World Report.
  Established in 1974, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts was 
designed to reflect the ``creative soul'' of the District as well as 
the cultural diversity of the United States. Its mission is to both 
nurture and inspire passion for arts and learning in talented students 
who might not otherwise have an opportunity to develop their artistic 
skills. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts is the only high school 
in the District that combines a full college-preparatory curriculum 
with professional arts training. Students are provided with training in 
areas such as dance, theater, literary media, museum studies, and 
instrumental or vocal music. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts 
strives to maintain a unique curriculum in which students are well 
equipped in both the arts and academia.
  The Duke Ellington School of the Arts has also produced distinguished 
alumni, among them mezzo-soprano opera singer Denyce Graves, 
screenwriter and comedian Dave Chappelle, CNN contributor Michaela 
Angela Davis, and a host of others who have contributed greatly to the 
nation's arts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Duke Ellington School of the 
Arts, and in wishing the school success in continuing its proud legacy 
in the District of Columbia.

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