[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11585]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE KEELY JARDELL SCHOOL OF DANCE

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                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2000

  Mr. NICK LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
outstanding accomplishment of the young ladies of Keely Jardell's 
School of Dance in Nederland, Texas. The school consists of 
approximately 500 students from throughout the area of southeast Texas 
ranging from ages six to eighteen years of age. The school focuses not 
only on dancing, but also on the importance of discipline and 
character. In addition to studying in the Jardell School of Dance, the 
students also participate in academic, athletic, and religious 
activities within the community. Practicing 12-15 hours a week, these 
young ladies have demonstrated an ability to balance their 
responsibilities and excel in them with grace. Lessons like these give 
the students of the Keely Jardell School of Dance skills that will be 
invaluable to them as they encounter challenges in their futures. These 
young ladies serve as role models to their peers and to members of the 
community as well.
  Recently, sixty-nine of these students participated in regional 
competitions in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, in Houston, and across the state 
of Texas. Members of the team devoted countless hours to perfecting 
their craft; their efforts have payed off. At regional competitions, 
the school was awarded the highest score, judge's choice, choreography, 
overall high score, and spirit awards. Their outstanding performances 
at the regional level has qualified them for the National Competition 
in San Antonio, Texas this summer. The prestige of the school and its 
talented performers is known well throughout the nation. In late 1999, 
an invitation was received inviting the girls to perform in Washington 
D.C. and in New York City during the month of July, 2000. The members 
of the school have graciously honored the request and will be 
performing Sunday July 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Post Office Pavilion, 
here in Washington. I urge all who have the opportunity to enjoy a 
truly amazing show worthy of your time.
  After the appearance in Washington, the performers will attend 
special dance classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. 
Numerous fund-raisers and community events are being staged to defray 
the expenses of the trip. It has been a total commitment of all 
involved, but well worth the work. The members of the Keely Jardell 
School of Dance have relentlessly committed themselves to perfecting 
their talents in preparation for the National Competition.
  Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have the honor of commending the 
students of the Keely Jardell School of Dance on their astounding 
achievements and abilities. Young people such as these should serve as 
examples to America of the extraoridinary breed of leaders it can 
expect in its future. These young ladies deserve our attention, 
support, and best wishes as they demonstrate the remarkable product of 
their labor and talent.

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