[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19644]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION, AN ADMIRED PHILADELPHIA, 
                            PA ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rock School for 
Dance Education of Philadelphia, PA. The Rock School helps its students 
succeed academically as well as artistically. For many years, the Rock 
School has helped prepare students both in the performing arts world 
and the educational world.
  Initially called the School of Pennsylvania Ballet, the Rock School 
changed its name in 1992 to become an independent institution. During 
this time, the school became one of the nation's top-five pre-
professional training programs. Its reputation continues to grow as it 
attracts more international students while acquiring exceptional 
faculty and great successes from its alumni.
  The Rock School engages and enriches local communities through its 
comprehensive outreach programs. More than 10,000 inner city children 
and their families take part in the School's outreach program annually. 
The Rock School and its Rock Reach program create positive 
opportunities for inner city children to participate in productive, 
stimulating activities. Rock School serves the Philadelphia and Camden 
community by teaching dance lessons and making dance facilities 
accessible to local citizens. The Rock Reach program, directed by Sarah 
Cooper, brings dance to life for Philadelphia and Camden students. 
Dancers from the school perform at local schools, teach dance lessons, 
and open their faculties up to the local community
  In addition, the Rock School awards over $500,000 in academic 
scholarships annually. The scholarships are given to talented students 
who need financial assistance. Scholarship students attend a pre-
professional dance training program while also giving outstanding 
college-preparatory classes. These students dedicate themselves to 
dance, and the discipline they learn while dancing carries on in 
everything they do for the rest of their lives.
  Madam Speaker, the Rock School for Dance Education instills a quality 
of thought and action that enriches its students' lives and the local 
community. I hope to see the school continue along this path of success 
for years to come. It is an honor to pay tribute to such a fine 
institution.

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