Banquet honors PHS band

By Staff, 02/28/17 11:13 AM

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PRESCOTT – Prescott High School’s was honored at a banquet Monday night as the 2A State Champion Marching Band.

The banquet was also a fundraiser to help the band members raise money for championship rings.

The cafeteria at PHS was packed, with several people taking advantage of carryout meals. Those preferring take out started showing up shortly before 5 p.m. Overall, meals were prepared for 250 diners.

The banquet was co-sponsored by the Prescott Lions and Rotary clubs. Penny Lynch, president of the Lions Club, told those gathered about the organization, what it does and how it benefits the members and community. She urged people to join, and reminded them the Prescott Lions have been around 45 years.

Rowe Stayton spoke on behalf of the Rotary Club, saying it’s been around since 1925 in Prescott. He, too, talked about what the club does, it’s mission and also suggested people join.

Arnie Lawson, director of bands for the Texarkana Independent School District, was the featured speaker. Lawson began his teaching career at PHS in 1987. He reminisced about his time in Prescott, saying everybody everywhere he’s been, knows someone from Prescott.

Lawson lauded the band for its accomplishment and told the audience there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes the public never knows about. This includes the planning by the band director and his staff, the work done by the booster club and the effort the parents put in to help their children in the band.

“Prescott was a great learning experience for me and the students,” he said. “Those students were extraordinary people. They went to colleges all over the country.”

He said Prescott is a “fantastic community” and members of the PHS band are sought after by colleges nationwide. This, he added, isn’t because the students plan on majoring in music, but because colleges want solid students who understand hard work and dedication. “If they’re good students, they’re likely good musicians. They can get paid to go to college. This is an awesome opportunity they should take advantage of.”

The title, Lawson said, is something no one can ever take away from the band. It’s something they will have with them forever. He said Prescott’s band has a tradition of winning and he looks forward to what the future holds for the Wolf Pride Marching Band.

Members of the band were presented medals for their accomplishments.

Sarah Sapaugh gave the closing remarks, saying she’s been lucky to spend her first year teacher at PHS. She, too, praised the booster club for its hard work, and recognized the five outstanding eighth grade students who helped the band. After congratulating the band on winning the title, she said there’s another title to be won next year.

Following the banquet, a concert was held in the PHS Auditorium.

 

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