The Hardin High School Marching Band, often called The Pride of Hardin, held an awards banquet on Thursday, May 2, to recognize the band members’ achievements for the year and to present awards to those who made the biggest impact on the overall success of the band.
Samantha Keasling, one of the band’s two drum majors, is the recipient of the Sousa Award, an honor she received for being an encouragement to other band members and helping Band Director Glenn Zamazal as he transitioned mid-school year from assistant band director.
Keasling and other graduating seniors – Aris Lopez, Lily Nash, Linda Yeo, Carlo Grant, JC McShan, Jaci Sims (drum major), Allyson Jackson, Vicente Alvarado, Ethan McCoy and Elton Thompson – were recognized. Each received a small gift for their contributions to the band.
Other awards were as follows:
- Most Improved Freshman – Jaden West
- Outstanding Freshman – Alissa Aragonez
- Most Improved Sophomore – Estrella Bolanos
- Outstanding Sophomore – Whitney Bess
- Most Improved Junior – Elizabeth Powell
- Outstanding Junior – Laura Barrett
- Most Improved Senior – Vicente Alvarado
- Outstanding Senior – Jaci Sims
- Director’s Award – Linda Yeo
- State Solo/Ensemble – Aris Lopez, Emily Jackson, Laura Barrett, Jaci Sims and Jaime Hernandez.
Helping Zamazal lead the band is Assistant Director Meagan Tantillo.
