[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TROJAN EXPLOSION MARCHING BAND

  (Ms. McCLELLAN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing 
Virginia State University, an esteemed historically Black college and 
university founded in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1882.
  I rise today to congratulate the Virginia State Trojan Explosion 
Marching Band, which was recently recognized as the Nation's top 
Division II HBCU band in 2023. The band was judged on important 
components, including auxiliaries, drum majors, musicality, percussion, 
and marching maneuvers. They will now compete in ESPN's inaugural HBCU 
Band of the Year competition.
  Throughout the year, the VSU Trojan Explosion was also invited to 
perform at the White House, NBC's ``TODAY,'' and the National Battle of 
the Bands competition in Houston.
  I commend Dr. Taylor Whitehead, VSU's director of marching and pep 
bands, and every member of the Trojan Explosion for their hard work and 
dedication. They are proof that greatness happens at Virginia State 
University. They have made their school, their community, and their 
Congresswoman proud. I will be cheering for them in their upcoming 
competition.

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