[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 113 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E978-E979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING MICHAEL EHRLICH ON HIS RETIREMENT

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 6, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Michael L. Ehrlich 
on the occasion of his retirement from the Fairfax County Public School 
System following an exceptional 30-year career in education. I thank 
him for his life-long dedication to fine arts education and to 
thousands of music students in Northern Virginia.
  Michael Ehrlich was born and raised in East Stroudsburg, 
Pennsylvania. While in high school, he was an active member of the band 
and choral programs. Upon graduation in 1974, Michael spent two years 
as a saxophonist with the Air Force Band of the East stationed at 
McGuire AFB, New Jersey. In 1977, he began his college career at 
Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and received his degree in 
music and theatre in 1981. He then returned to Pennsylvania where he 
taught private saxophone and voice lessons. He also performed in and 
directed musical theatre for community theatre groups in the area. In 
1983, Michael moved to Northern Virginia and established the foundation 
of his musical career here, teaching private saxophone and voice 
lessons and performing in and directing musical theater for several 
local community theater groups.
  Michael accepted a teaching position at W.T. Woodson High School in 
1988. At that time, only 30 students were participating in the choral 
program.
  During his 30-year tenure, Michael expanded the program, which now 
includes 250 students in six different choirs.
  Under his leadership, the W.T. Woodson High School choirs have 
consistently received superior ratings at the Virginia Music Educators 
Association (VMEA) choral festival, and have been invited to perform at 
many other venues and conventions. The Select Women's Ensemble 
performed for the VMEA convention in 1993, 1999, and 2014 as well as 
for the Southern Division, American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 
convention in 1998, 2006, and 2012.
  The Select Vocal Ensemble was a winner of the WGMS classical radio 
station/GEICO Young Artists in the Community contest and was honored to 
perform at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre Millennium Stage and at 
the Concert Hall. In the summers of 1999, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015, a 
group of select singers traveled to Europe and performed at venues in 
Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. Highlights of the tour 
included a singing mass at Notre Dame and also a performance at a 
wreath-laying ceremony at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. In 
addition to his work with the choral groups, Michael was also the vocal 
director and pit orchestra conductor for W.T. Woodson High School's 
musical theater performances.
  Michael's dedication and commitment to this craft and to his students 
has been recognized locally and nationally, along with his influence on 
music education. Michael is listed in the Who's Who Among American 
Teachers, was nominated for Fairfax County Teacher of the Year, and was 
named a USA Today--All USA Teacher. He was also a recipient of the 
2004-2005 Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center Scholarship for Teachers and 
was inducted into the East Stroudsburg High School Music Hall of Fame. 
In addition, Michael received the Sydney Swiggett award and was the 
inaugural recipient of the W.T. Woodson Parent Teacher Student 
Organization's Teacher of the Year award.
  Perhaps most importantly, Michael is an educator who is beloved by 
his students, their parents and his colleagues, myself among them . 
Michael was my daughter Caitlin's chorus teacher during her time at 
W.T. Woodson High School and our family remembers that time with warm 
appreciation. His joy in sharing his passion for music with his 
students is contagious and inspires them to strive for excellence not 
only in their choral performances, but in all aspects of their lives.
  As a lifetime supporter of the arts, I believe that fine arts 
education is critical to the emotional and intellectual development of 
our youth and our society as a whole. Michael has dedicated his life to 
this principle and the lives of countless young people and their 
families have been improved and enriched as a result of his commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating my 
friend Michael Ehrlich on his retirement and in wishing him great 
success in his future endeavors. Although he may be officially stepping 
away from high school music education, I have no doubt that he will 
continue to advocate for the arts and for the joy they bring to our 
lives. On behalf of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia and on 
behalf of my family, I thank him for his service to our community and 
for his steadfast dedication to the promotion of fine arts and to the 
education of our youth. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

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