A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE NINETY SIX HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND, BAND DIRECTOR, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR ANOTHER REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2022 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that the members of the Ninety Six High School marching band of Greenwood County took top honors at the state competition held at Westwood High School in Blythewood on Saturday, October 29, 2022; and

Whereas, to the delight of their exuberant fans, the Ninety Six High School Wildcat marching band garnered its tenth state title, receiving a superior rating with a score of 87.9 and earning the High Music and Overall Effect caption awards to defeat fifteen other competitors from around the State; and

Whereas, the forty-eight-member band includes members from grades seven through twelve at Edgewood Middle School and Ninety Six High School, who dedicate their time and energy to practice three days a week after school, to attend band camps, and to participate in Friday night football games, multiple Christmas parades, and Saturday marching competitions; and

Whereas, at the state competition, the marching band performed a show entitled, "The Light That Guides Us," a production with a maritime theme featuring students dressed as sailors, a dock with a boat, lanterns, tidal wave storm, and a towering lighthouse; and

Whereas, the marching band members presented a story through music and visual art of sailors departing from coastal shores for the open ocean. Once out on the ocean, the sailors become lost and adrift in a powerful storm. After recovering from the catastrophic storm, they find their way home by following the beams of light from the majestic lighthouse they passed on their way out to sea; and

Whereas, in a field that demands discipline, practice, and talent, Band Director David Vickery and his skilled staff maximized their own experience and training to build a championship-caliber band and teach these musicians life principals that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the parade ground; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate values the pride and recognition that the Ninety Six band members have brought to their school and their community and looks forward to following their continued accomplishments in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Ninety Six High School marching band, band director, and school officials for another remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2022 South Carolina Class A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Darin Rice and Band Director David Vickery.

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