On the recordJuly 31, 2012
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. ____________________
