[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26134]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY CLOGGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary 
group of young dancers from Northern Colorado--the High Country 
Cloggers.
  Recently, these dancers performed in the Junior Olympic Games in 
Detroit, Michigan, and won top medals. Dancers from ages 11 to 22 took 
home silver medals in the a cappella category, bronze in the 
traditional line-dance competition, and gold medals for best in age 
group.
  Clogging is an old style of dancing, with its roots from the 
Appalachian region. These award winning young ladies and men are part 
of its recent revival. Encompassing traditional bluegrass music and 
dance style, these astonishing dancers are turning clogging into a 
style filled with country, pop, and even hip-hop.
  Among the dancers performing at the Junior Olympics, I would like to 
honor: Jenna Jordan, Elizabeth Lopez, Dessy Benesh, Jacey Sisneros, 
Cynthia Crookston, Meghan Meehleis, Amberley Meehleis, Caitlynn 
Meehleis, and Ashlee Meehleis.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor Rick and Michelle Meehleis 
of Fort Collins, Colorado. As the founders of the High Country 
Cloggers, this extraordinary couple have dedicated themselves to the 
success of the young dancers. At its inception, 5 years ago, the dance 
group held evening lessons in the Meehlies family garage.
  Rick and Michelle have turned the once family hobby into a family-run 
business with the participation of tremendous dancers throughout the 
community. The clogging group now holds lessons in its own studio and 
performs around the nation.
  In addition to performing in Detroit, over the past year they have 
danced in Branson, Missouri; Atlanta, Georgia; and in Oklahoma.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the High Country Cloggers and the 
Meehleis before the Congress today because they are remarkable examples 
of dedication, strong family values, and achievement.

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