Katy ISD presents inaugural KatyOne Award

Katy Texas News
Posted December 10, 2010

Katy ISD presented its inaugural KatyOne award to representatives from the Taylor High School JET Band and Seven Lakes High School Spartan Band during the Board of Trustees fall student recognition event this week.  The award was the first of its kind for the district, and was created to recognize and celebrate those who work together, from different schools or different areas of the district, to do something positive for our community.

“We have people in every corner of the district reaching over attendance boundaries to do great things for each other and the community,” says Katy ISD superintendent Alton Frailey. “Sometimes these acts go unnoticed. Through KatyOne, we plan to share these stories with the greater community and hopefully inspire others to do something good.”

The Taylor and Seven Lakes bands were chosen for the award in response to a special connection of support that has grown between the two organizations over the past few years.  This bond hit a pinnacle point when the Seven Lakes band lost one of their own in a car accident last year. The JET band reached out to the Spartan Band, expressing their condolences, showing support and paying tribute to the group by forming a “7” and an “L” on the field in the game following the tragedy.  This led to the two band directors writing a combined half-time show for the last game of that season – which was Seven Lakes vs. Taylor.

“A culture of teamwork has always existed among all of our Katy ISD band directors, and this has filtered to the students as well,” says Bob Bryant, executive director of Fine Arts for Katy ISD.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Taylor JET Band were Chris Bailey, director of bands, and David Kendler, Taylor HS principal. Accepting the award on behalf of the Seven Lakes Spartan Band were David Reynolds, assistant director of bands, and Christie Whitbeck, Seven Lakes HS principal. Damon Archer, director of bands for Seven Lakes was unable to attend, but was recognized for his dedication to the bands.  Megan Seiler, Karen Wylie, Alison Anchors and Melissa LeRoy, drum majors of the Spartan band were also in attendance.  Taylor High School drum majors Hoang Nguyen, Connor Aimone, Blair Begbie and Tamara Natasya, were unable to attend due to a performance.

The two bands have been invited to perform a special combined marching show the day before the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans this January, and will also participate in the game’s half-time show.  For more information about KatyOne, visit katyisd.org.

Adds Frailey, “We should all be very proud of our Katy ISD students who continue to demonstrate that, as a fast growing community, we must find a way to stay connected, respectful and supportive of one another.  This is the only way to preserve the positive values and quality of life most were seeking when they chose Katy ISD and the Katy community.  I encourage all of us to join them in their efforts.”

Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

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