[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12740]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1410
           SAIPAN SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL MANTA RAY CONCERT BAND

  (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, here's a story to make us all cheer: 46 high 
school musicians from America's smallest insular area raise a quarter 
of a million dollars to go to London and perform during the Olympics 
where they win a silver medal.
  This is the story of the Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray 
Concert Band, who played their hearts out at the London Celebration 
Music Festival this week in Central Hall Westminster. We are all 
cheering in the Northern Mariana Islands because the Manta Rays 
represent us all.
  We're the only U.S. insular area that did not send athletes to 
London. We sent our student musicians, and they came away with silver. 
It took bake sales, rummage sales, garage sales, a bowling tournament, 
tree plantings, car washes, a radio telethon, lunches, and raffles. It 
took business, government, civic organizations, and individual donors 
all chipping in because these kids dared us to dream.
  Ten years ago, there was no high school band in our islands. Most 
families could not afford to buy an instrument. Today, through the 
faith, effort, and determination of the students, we're all inspired, 
confirming the belief that there is no better investment than in our 
children.
  Congratulations, Manta Rays.

                          ____________________