Senator Rivera Introduces Resolution Congratulating Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir

Here is a success story about our Bronx youth. Congratulations to the students of Celia Cruz Bronx High School Choir on their designation as "Best Choir in New York City" at the Bronx Zoo's Wildlife competition.

Gregory
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On March 1, 2011, Senator Gustavo Rivera introduced a legislative resolution numbered S. 675, congratulating the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir upon the occasion of being named the “Best Choir in New York City” at the Bronx Zoo’s inaugural SING! for Wildlife competition on December 30, 2010. Senator Rivera spoke in support of his resolution on the floor of the Senate.




Below is a copy of Senator Rivera’s floor statement in support of the Resolution Congratulating Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir:

“I stand today to congratulate the students from the Celia Cruz Bronx High School for their Best Choir in New York City win just a few weeks ago. I was hoping Senator Nozzolio would be here since he was thanking the Seneca Elementary School Choir and we’re in the same field here. They actually won the first competition that was held by the Bronx Zoo, the Sing! for Wildlife competition.

I saw them perform at the Hard Rock Café just a few weeks ago. They started with Route 66, a kind of jazzy number before moving on to some classical choral performances and then finishing off with a Phantom of the Opera rendition. These kids are an inspiration. The Celia Cruz High School is a couple blocks from my home and I got to see them and hear them for the first time just a few weeks ago.

It is a testament to the importance of Arts education in our schools. The way they became a tight choral organization, how they used the arts to not only learn how to perform, but to perform better at school. They are actually almost all of them honor students. These are kids that unfortunately could not be here today, but I wanted to make sure that I stood up and that I said that I congratulate them and wish them nothing but success.

Also to remind everyone that it is for programs like this that we are fighting for. Not only do they get to sing and perform, but they get to use the arts as a tool to become better students and better people. I also want to make sure to congratulate their parents and their teachers, particularly the Choir Director, Lisa Gwayzda who is an amazing performer herself. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this victory for them and this victory for New York City.”