[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16199]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     THE SKIP ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this occasion to 
commend the SKIP Entertainment Company. The group was originally formed 
in 1982 as a project of Children's Productions known as Sunshine Kids 
In Production (SKIP). Based on Guam and comprised of local talent, this 
group has entertained as well as brought tremendous honors to the 
island. Under the direction of Lee and Teri Knapp and instructors, Chad 
Knapp, Tina D'Amato, Brian Thomas and Glenn Packard, members of SKIP 
recently won awards at the 2001 Showstopper National Dance Finals in 
San Antonio, Texas.
  During the five-day competition, a panel of five judges reviewed over 
seven hundred dance routines. The five highest scoring entries in the 
junior division, comprised of kids age 12 and under, as well as the 
five highest scoring entries in the senior division, comprised of kids 
age 13 and over, were guaranteed slots to perform at the 2001 
Showstopper Television Special.
  SKIP's rendition of ``Robot,'' choreographed by Dee Caspary, was 
performed before a packed house at the San Antonio Auditorium and 
earned the group the 2001 Showstopper National Junior Championship. 
Dancers on this routine comprised of Brian Aflague, Deena Aguon, Ryan 
Brasuel, Chloe Kernaghan, Maho Kogure, Shiina Kuniyoshi, Danielle Leon 
Guerrero, Ali McCully, Dorian Nelson, Giana Pangelinan, Mariesa 
Quitugua, Ryan Ruiz, Lauren Santos, Tawyna Unsiog and Patrick Wolff.
  ``Quiet,'' choreographed for the senior company by former SKIP dancer 
Michael Lomeka, was also one of the top five acts in their division 
selected for the television special. The senior company members include 
Janelle Cruz, Thomas Cruz, Stacy Eustaquio, Tony Francisco, Janet 
Hetzel, Claressa Johnston, Nicloe King, Mia McCully, Beatrix Poh, Cora 
Rivera, Tracy Sablan, and Tawnee Unsiog.
  In addition to the national championship title won by the junior 
company, SKIP won a number of other awards. The SKIP performance of 
``Kansas City'' received the highest score for all dancers under age 9. 
Dancers include Ashley Arizala, Brian Esperon, Alyssa Mariano, Shayana 
Mariano, Anjenette Pineda, Tammy Ramirez, DeMario Scimio, Taylor Toves, 
Tara Unsiog, Teesha Unsiog, Regine Vida, and Kristine Vo. SKIP members 
also won the Senior Large Group Championship, Senior Line Second Place, 
Junior Large Group Third Place, and Junior Small Group Third Place.
  Having had the chance to view the performances of these kids, I can 
attest to the fact that these kids are outstanding artists and 
entertainers who have worked hard to deserve the honors bestowed upon 
them. Through their exceptional talents and notable achievements, the 
SKIP kids have brought recognition upon themselves and the island of 
Guam.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I would like to commend everyone who 
played a part in the success of the SKIP kids. I wish them continued 
success and the best in their future undertakings.

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