December 7, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2173 addition he has made to the tapestry of our Lozano Lopez, for the amazing achievement Watson, spoke of the numerous compliments lives through broadcasting—both music and so far in his lifetime and for his recent induc- he received, including words of praise con- community interest programming—composing, tion into the Tejano Hall of Fame. cerning the exemplary behavior of the mem- promoting Hispanic talent, and finally obtaining f bers of the band. Principal Hudson is leading and operating the Lopez Broadcast System the students to transfer the band’s achieve- that now consists of several South Texas HONORING THE BALLOU SENIOR ment to academic achievement as well for the radio stations. HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND student body. His introduction to radio came in 1955, while I am proud that the band represented the he was still in high school, conducting the HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON city so well and proud to represent the band, American GI Forum Weekly Program on OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA the school, and the community in the Con- KCCT in Corpus Christi, TX. After graduation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gress of the United States. Last week I wrote he continued this work he loved, and it took Tuesday, December 7, 2004 to President Bush to ask that the Ballou Band him all over south Texas and northern Mexico. march in the upcoming Inaugural Parade. Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to In the early 1960s, he moved the family to Considering what the band has achieved and recognize and honor the District’s own Ballou San Antonio, where he branched out to tele- the obstacles the students have overcome, I Senior High School Marching Band for its re- vision, and worked in the first U.S. Spanish believe that the band and the school deserve cent extraordinary achievement at the Home Radio station, KCOR, and the first U.S. Span- this national recognition. Mr. Speaker, the Depot National Battle of the Bands Competi- ish Television station, (KWEX). Ballou Senior High School Marching Band de- His voice won him voice-over roles in some tion. The band, numbering 86 members, serves the accolades the band is receiving classic American movies—for voices of Spen- placed second among eight bands in a com- since returning from California. I ask the cer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Anthony Quinn, and petition which included 110 entrants in the ini- House of Representatives to add its own con- many more—and he dubbed several Holly- tial field. Ballou deserves recognition from the gratulations as well. wood movies into Spanish for broadcast into House of Representatives not only because of Mexico and Latin America. For his work in this this notable accomplishment. I ask the Con- venue, Humberto picked up an award for gress to recognize the Ballou Marching Band f ‘‘Best Performance in Dubbing.’’ also because these students, led by their able HONORING MARCELLUS’S GIRLS In the early 1970s, he returned to live in and devoted band director, Darrell Watson, VARSITY SOCCER STATE CHAM- Robstown and work in Corpus Christi. He overcame nearly impossible odds. PIONSHIP began as program director for KCCT, spicing The high school is located in one of the up the classic station with a new motto, city’s most disadvantaged and besieged com- ‘‘Radio Jalapeno—Caliente.’’ While in Corpus munities. The students have lived with unusual HON. JAMES T. WALSH Christi, he worked for a while in print jour- human tragedy, including the fatal shooting of OF NEW YORK nalism for the Corpus Christi Sun Newspaper, two fellow students this year. Also in 2003, the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as sales manager and columnist. school was closed for more than a month be- In the early 1980s, he longed to put his cause of an accidental mercury spill. At the Tuesday, December 7, 2004 management skills and talent to use in a larg- end of the school year, many of the problems er sphere, and applied with the FCC to own Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of the school were blamed on allegations of pay tribute to an extraordinary group of ath- his own station. He quickly began acquiring poor leadership and the principal was dis- radio stations in South Texas under the Lopez letes, the Marcellus Girls Varsity Soccer team. missed. Marcellus captured its second consecutive Broadcast System, which currently includes: This is not an atmosphere conducive to pro- KTMV–TV, Corpus Christi; KTMV–TV, Victoria Section 3, Class B state title with a 6 to 0 win ducing award winning bands. Yet, the Ballou over Fredonia, ending their season with an (UPN affiliate); KTMV–TV, San Antonio; KMIQ Marching Band’s band director and the new 104.9 FM, Robstown-Corpus Christi; KINE overall record of 23–1–1. principal, Daniel Hudson, persevered. How- The Marcellus Mustangs lived up to their 1330 AM Robstown-Kingsville; KXTM 107.7 ever, talent, intelligence, diligence and dedica- FM, Benavidez; KHMC 95.5 FM, Victoria; and season long No. 1 ranking with a decisive vic- tion could not cover the $70,000 needed to tory over Fredonia led by senior striker Jenna KLMO 98.9 FM, San Antonio. He continues to travel to California to compete. The often explore expanding Lopez Broadcast System Farneti scoring three goals and two assists. struggling families of the students, and their Amy Ware and Hannah Vaughn struck the into other markets such as College Station, inner-city community certainly did not have San Angelo, and Houston. final blows to the nails in the coffin adding such funds. Still, the band and their school did Humberto’s most memorable experiences three more goals with Meghan Mannion and not give up. They sought help from the busi- included interviewing the widow of Mexican Alyssa MacLachlan contributing the assists. ness community, alumni and others. Many legend, Pancho Villa; Texas’ first Hispanic While acknowledging these five, outstanding were moved by the determination of the stu- Congressman, Henry B. Gonzalez; and the athletes for their efforts in the championship dents. Among the many contributors who members of Battalion 201, the World War II game is well deserved; any member of a team made the trip possible were Federal Ex- Mexican Battalion. Easily, his most rewarding knows that victory isn’t possible without the press—inspired by a Ballou alumna who was experience is the continuing success of the contributions of all team members and coach- a vice president—Lockheed Martin, Embassy Lopez Broadcast System, which serves our es. Suites Hotels, and William C. Smith and Com- home community in South Texas. Humberto’s Coach Laurie Updike, Jenna Farneti, Rachel philosophy is: ‘‘It’s not about how much money pany. The outpouring of love and support that the Ballou band received was inspired not only Farneti, Stephanie Gosson, Kelly Hanlon, someone may earn but the accomplishments Sarah Holden, Jocie Jankowski, Alyssa and lives you touch—which leaves a legacy of by the need, but by the students’ own deter- mination and efforts in doing car washes and MacLachlan, Meghan Mannion, Ashley Martin, hope.’’ Lauren Longo, Alyse O’Brien, Sarah Potter, He is supported by the love of his life, his selling dinners to earn funds for the trip. The concrete show of confidence in these Cahterine Scott, Amanda Stessen, Hannah wife Minerva Rodriguez-Lopez; their children: Vaughn, Katie Walter, Amy Ware, Jennifer Mario Humberto, Luis Homero, Larry, Manuel, children enabled the band’s participation and its prize-winning finish. In fact, the competition Young, Katie Young, Katie Zimmerman, Emily Carlos, Humberto II, Ernesto, Mena Lamar, Zimmerman, Emmy Potter, Meghan Kaminska Melinda, Ray, Lisa, and Mary Helen; their 27 was razor close, and Ballou almost came away with the top prize. Its reward was a trip are all equally valued components of the grandchildren—Mario Humberto II, Michael Marcellus perennial powerhouse. Anthony, Marissa, Celina, Carissa, Crista, to Disneyland and the opportunity to play in Lizette, Lynsey, Ashley Nicole, Manuel Omar, the holiday parade. The larger and lasting re- A special recognition is also deserved to Mireya, Alejandro, Gabriella, Laura Lynn, Car- ward is the sense of accomplishment the stu- those whom support Marcellus’s fine athletes, los Eric, Crystal, Katherine, Ernesto Nicholas, dents received and the opportunity to broaden the parents, teachers, students and fans. You Raul Jr., MiaMar Minerva, Isabella, Giselle their horizons and expectations concerning were all instrumental in the Mustang’s suc- Fey, Cristian Esai, Ray Jr., Amy Desiree, where hard work and high aspirations can cess. Nayeli, and Orlando DeLeon II; and their 2 lead. On a visit to the school, I was moved to I commend the Marcellus Girls Varsity Soc- great grandchildren, Mario Humberto III, and see the effect of the band’s achievements on cer team for their dedication and congratulate Michael Anthony. the entire student body, which gathered to cel- them on a triumphant season. Your continued I ask my colleagues to join me today in ebrate the band with principal, teachers and success reflects your tireless work ethic. commending my dear friend, Humberto staff all present. The band director, Darrell Congratulations to the Champs.

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