Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-30

HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

EducationLGBTQ+

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E637] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harold Clayton Wright as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harold Clayton Wright serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC). Originally joining as a singer, he assumed the role of interim co- director in 2014, was named associate artistic director in 2015, and served in that capacity until 2018. During this period, he led the chorus at over 100 events in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, providing a vital voice of healing and resilience for the community. In 2022, he was appointed artistic director, a role in which he continues to lead the chorus with distinction. Under Dr. Wright's leadership, OGC has doubled in membership, becoming one of the largest mixed-voice LGBTQIA+ choruses in the world. The chorus has expanded its presence throughout Florida, including regularly scheduled performances at the prestigious Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, and represented its community on the international stage at the 2024 GALA (the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) International Festival at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. This was a meaningful milestone, as the preceding GALA appearance was in July 2016 in Denver, just one month after the Pulse tragedy. Dr. Wright holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral Conducting from Florida State University, a Master of Music Education from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. He served 12 years as a public school educator in Central Florida, teaching grades K-12 across three schools, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award at Davenport School of the Arts. Dr. Wright's professional organizations include the Florida Vocal Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and GALA Choruses. ``As the world teaches one to be an individual, music teaches a world of individuals to be one!''--Dr. Harold C. Wright. ____________________

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HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E637] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING HAROLD CLAYTON WRIGHT AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Harold Clayton Wright as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harold Clayton Wright serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC). Originally joining as a singer, he assumed the role of interim co- director in 2014, was named associate artistic director in 2015, and served in that capacity until 2018. During this period, he led the chorus at over 100 events in the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, providing a vital voice of healing and resilience for the community. In 2022, he was appointed artistic director, a role in which he continues to lead the chorus with distinction. Under Dr. Wright's leadership, OGC has doubled in membership, becoming one of the largest mixed-voice LGBTQIA+ choruses in the world. The chorus has expanded its presence throughout Florida, including regularly scheduled performances at the prestigious Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, and represented its community on the international stage at the 2024 GALA (the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) International Festival at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. This was a meaningful milestone, as the preceding GALA appearance was in July 2016 in Denver, just one month after the Pulse tragedy. Dr. Wright holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral Conducting from Florida State University, a Master of Music Education from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. He served 12 years as a public school educator in Central Florida, teaching grades K-12 across three schools, and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award at Davenport School of the Arts. Dr. Wright's professional organizations include the Florida Vocal Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, and GALA Choruses. ``As the world teaches one to be an individual, music teaches a world of individuals to be one!''--Dr. Harold C. Wright. ____________________