For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
November 5, 2003
Opening Remarks by Mrs. Bush at the Coming Up Taller Awards
As Delivered
Welcome to the White House and to the sixth annual Coming Up Taller
Awards. And welcome to Minister Ignacio Duran and our friends from the
Mexican delegation. The President's Committee on the Arts and
Humanities is pleased to honor two programs in Mexico with Coming Up
Taller Awards. I'm thrilled to have so many young artists, actors, and
dancers here. Today, we celebrate your talent, and the dedication of
your teachers who inspire you to paint, act, and dance out your
dreams.
Jacques d'Amboise is one of those dedicated teachers. Dance changed
his life and as Jacques says he wants to teach children, "how the arts
are a way of discovering their humanity and their excellence." Daisy
Acevedo is discovering her excellence at Life Lines in Brooklyn. Daisy
said, "(Life Lines) has inspired me to go after my dreams...of going
off to college and becoming a lawyer. It's inspired me...to be
optimistic about life." Through the study of the arts and humanities,
young people like Daisy are inspired to tune violins rather than tune
into television. And more are participating in theater than in
violence.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Jose Herrera could have easily followed
a path of violence. But he found a better path at Will Power to Youth
where he performs Shakespeare. Jose said, "Every person is
important...It gives you confidence knowing that... people support
you." Thanks to the arts, young people like Jose are growing up
stronger and smarter, and more prepared for what the world holds. The
arts and humanities are critical building blocks for a child's
development. The study of poetry helps with memory and vocabulary. And
theater brings history to life - especially at the Orphan Girl Theatre
in Butte, Montana.
Performing plays about the history of Butte has given Micaela
Newman a greater appreciation for her hometown. Micaela said, "We share
stories...and learn to value each other. You can see everyone changing
for the better. The Orphan Girl is really a home away from home." At
Orphan Girl Theatre, young people learn in a safe environment where
they are recognized for their accomplishments. They learn confidence
and discipline. And above all, they learn to love learning. Edgar
Sifuentes Casso, from Mexico has been singing with MECED Chimalli for
three years. Edgar said, "This...experience has changed my life, and
has given me the opportunity to learn about my culture through
singing."
At MYTOWN, Rajiv Lahens is learning about his Haitian heritage and
about the lives of immigrants as he leads walking tours of Boston.
Rajiv said this program gives, "young people the opportunity...to
become leaders. (MYTOWN) will help to guide you along a road of life.
You need programs like this to make your ride a little less hectic."
And you need a really good teacher, as Byron at Ailey Camp in
Kansas City, Missouri has learned. Byron said, "(Ailey Camp)...has made
me more culturally aware, confident, and has given me friends and
teachers who changed my life." I commend the teachers here for sharing
your time and talent with young people. The study of arts and the
humanities helps to develop a child's character and confidence. And as
we've learned from Daisy, Jose, Micaela, Edgar, Rajiv, and Byron - the
arts and humanities also have the power to change a child's life. Along
with these talented young people, this is truly what we celebrate
today.
I'd now like to introduce Adair Margo, Chair of The President's
Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
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