KC board honors student performers
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MILL HALL -- The KCSD voting meeting Thursday evening began with a presentation from members of the CMHS Jazz Band, Marching Band, Colorguard, and Majorettes. Last weekend, they competed in Wildwood, N.J. at the TIA Atlantic Coast Championships, where they performed over the course of four days and earned two Atlantic Coast Champions Banners; a perfect way to wrap up the 2023 season.
Superintendent Jacqueline Martin highlighted their most recent championship performances and achievements.
"We want to take a moment tonight to recognize some of our extracurricular activities; our indoor guard, indoor majorettes, and our band, who have had some very successful seasons, and have also been competing with some high-end athletes over the past weekend," Martin said.
Majorette coach Stephanie Ford, color guard coach Sunshine Kustaborder, and band director Ashley Crust attended the meeting, as did a number of students involved in these extracurricular activities, to share their recent experiences and achievements in Hershey, Pa., and Wildwood, N.J.
Gregory Stuber, a member of the Jazz Cats and marching band, spoke about his experience. Stuber is a bassist in the jazz band and plays the trumpet in the band.
"Over the past weekend, we went to the 'Music in the Parks' festival. It was a wonderful opportunity for the band as we got to perform in front of judges and get scores so that we know how to improve ourselves," Stuber said. "There was also the opportunity to have a community and be together as a band, which is extraordinarily important, as well as fun!"
Jazz and marching band member Annalise Mann spoke during the presentation about the band's most recent achievements.
"I play saxophone in the Central Mountain Jazz Band and the marching band. We went to Palmyra to perform for some judges in both the marching band and the jazz band. We got first place overall in our marching band and second place in our jazz band," Mann said. "It was a really good day for team building and getting to know each other better which ultimately affects how we play as a group. We got to learn a lot about each other as musicians and how we can improve as a group."
Kara Rudy, a CMHS majorette spoke during the presentation about her experience at the most recent competition as well as how helpful team bonding has been for her.
"I think what helps me the most is that we always try and invent new things. All of the memories that I made with all these girls behind me are amazing, and you will never forget any of them," Rudy said. "The competitions are great; we always get to hear feedback from the judges and we've also gotten tape recordings of our performances."
At the conclusion of their presentation, Martin spoke further about the students' achievements,
"I know this group supports each other so much… The advisors are amazing and what you've done is just great. I got the chance to see you perform in the exhibition very early in your season; the shows weren't even finished yet, and I have to tell you I was so impressed back then," she said. "I did not have a doubt that you would be bringing home some kind of hardware."
Martin acknowledged the coaches and the school board for their support and participation in these activities as well, stating, "I just want to say thank you to the board for your support of the co-curricular activities in this district because I firmly believe that the extracurricular activities that our students participate in, in addition to their academics and their schoolwork, goes a long way to help develop them as productive citizens. I just appreciate everything that all of our coaches and advisors do. I'm very proud, so thank all of you."
Martin thanked Stephen Hafele, the current athletic director and assistant principal at CMHS, for his work and assistance with a variety of other activities, including the establishment of a bocce team and a girls' wrestling team.
School board Vice President Roger Elling spoke about his own experiences with these extracurricular activities and commended the students for their accomplishments.
"I personally have been very proud of each and every one of you for your accomplishments. It means a lot to me that this continues from when I was younger. I'm glad we're able to allow you to be able to do this stuff because I remember how fun it was when I was there, and I have a funny feeling that it's still every bit as much fun," Elling said. "So, to the coaches, thank you. You guys are awesome. I'm glad to see that we have a group that is growing and I want to see it continue to grow. You guys are awesome, You really are."
In a report issued by Martin, she thanked Mr. Hafele, who will be leaving the district at the conclusion of the school year.
"Thank you to Stephen Hafele for his dedication and service to Central Mountain Athletics over the past few years. He has been instrumental in getting new programs approved for our students along with integrating technology programs. We wish him well," she said.
Hafele's position will be filled by Mr. David Peters, the current principal at CMMS, who will transition to his new role at an undetermined date. In her report, Martin acknowledged Peters' transfer.
"Dave Peters will be able to "hit the ground running" when he takes over his new role this summer because of his knowledge of the students, families, coaches, and community. We feel that he will be a great addition to the high school admin team," she said.