[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 29101]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       COMMENDING HAWAII'S YOUTH

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I congratulate a number of young 
adults from Hawaii for being selected to perform on the National Public 
Radio, NPR, program, ``From the Top.'' ``From the Top'' is a weekly, 
hour-long show featuring America's most talented, young musicians. It 
is one of the most listened to programs on public radio with an 
audience of approximately 750,000 each week, over 250 stations 
nationwide. The show is hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley and 
recorded in front of a live audience.
  The young adults include those from the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus Na 
Leo Kuho`okahi ensemble: Sienna Achong, Juliana Besenbruch, Olivia 
Borges, Ka'iulani Bowers, Karyn Castro, Hina Felmet, Pili Gardner, 
Makena Hamilton, Marika Ikehara, Alana Mueller, Jade Olszowka, Noe 
Ramirez, Erin Richardson, Sarah Sagarang, Kanoe Tjorvatjoglou, Krysti 
Uranaka, and Kiyoe Wellington. Also performing are: Laura Bleakley, 
Maile Cha, Jacob DeForest, Asia Doike, Irwin Jiang, Annie Kwok, Alda 
Lam, Andrew Ramos, Tyler Ramos, Yulia Sharipova, Rachel Stanton, and 
T.J. Tario.
  The program will be produced during two performances. The first 
performance will be at Oahu's historic Hawaii Theatre on November 14, 
and the second at Maui Arts and Cultural Center on November 16. In 
addition to being taped, the students will be participating in 
assemblies at eight schools on three islands. Approximately 100 young 
people are chosen each year to appear on ``From the Top,'' so to have 
Hawaii's youth be selected is truly an honor.
  The students' hard work and devotion to music has allowed them to 
excel in the performing arts. However, they would not have been able to 
succeed without the support of their family, friends, and instructors. 
Instructors play an essential role in guiding a student, and they need 
to be commended for their hard work and dedication to teaching as 
well.

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