The Richland Northeast GAP Choir, (l- r) front row, Anika Jack, Tia Coleman, Brittany Cole, Raya Jenkins, NiKayla Benbow, (middle row) Joy Patterson, Deondra Gidron, Emany Williams, (back row) Sam Jenkins, Daniel McLamore, and Shi'Onya Williams. The award- winning Richland Northeast High School GAP Choir will perform at the Congressional Black Caucus's Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza in Washington, DC, September 24.

"I contacted Rep. James Clyburn's office five years ago and inquired about participating in this prestigious event and was told that the program had been set," said Joyce Abel, GAP Choir advisor. "The contact person promised to keep us in mind, and five years later, we received the invitation."

The RNE GAP Choir will represent South Carolina at the Gospel Extravaganza, which also includes choirs from North Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi. Rep. Clyburn has spon- sored the event annually since 1992. It is free and open to the public.

For more information or to book a choir for a performance, please contact Joyce Abel at jabel@richland2. org or (803) 691- 4090, ext. 28808.