Student Awards

John Philip Sousa

The John Philip Sousa Award

The Sousa Award is the pinnacle of achievement in a high school band. Introduced by the Sousa family in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. This national award is presented to the graduating senior who is deemed to represent the best in musicianship, leadership, and dedication to the band program. The John Philip Sousa Award is the highest single honor to be given to a member of the band.

Aria Shepherd

2023 – 2024

 

Dillon Hawkins

2022 – 2023

 

Micaiah Pearson

2021 – 2022

 

Anna Olson

2020 – 2021

 

Samuel White

2019 – 2020

 

Anna Boyd

2018 – 2019

Patrick Gilmore

The Patrick Gilmore Band Award

The Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award was introduced in 1994 in honor of the legendary bandmaster and impresario. Patrick Gilmore (1829-1892) and his band joined General Burnside’s expedition to North Carolina in the Civil War. Gilmore also played for every president of his day, including Abraham Lincoln. This award honors additional students in the high school band. Because only one student per year can receive the Sousa Award, and more students may deserve special recognition, the Gilmore award allows directors to honor the same qualities of musicianship and dedication in other deserving students.

Dominic Davis

2023 – 2024

 

Kenzie Longshore

2022 – 2023

 

Caroline Houseman

2021 – 2022

 

Andrew Rader

2020 – 2021

 

Logan Henson

2019 – 2020

 

Dawson Mullis

2018 – 2019

Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award

In his long career, Leonard Bernstein made an indelible mark on the musical world as a conductor, composer, and teacher. This award will honor students whose musical contributions, dedication, and creativity set them apart as deserving of the highest recognition for their achievements.

R. Alvayero

2023 – 2024

 

Bella Totten

2022 – 2023

 

Isaac Mitchell

2021 – 2022

 

Allison McGlohon

2020 – 2021

 

Bryce Neely

2019 – 2020

Hands of conductor on a black background

The Director’s Award for Band

The recipient of the Director’s Award is hand-selected each year by the band director. This award honors an outstanding Junior or Senior member who is very active in the band and puts the band and the success of their bandmates above themselves.

Jace Smith

2023 – 2024

 

R. Alvayero

2022 – 2023

 

Cai Walker

2021 – 2022

 

Ethan Seymore

2020 – 2021

 

Holly Johnson

2019 – 2020

 

Andrew Litz

2018 – 2019

Color Guard Award

The National School Color Guard Award

This award is bestowed each year to honor the Color Guard member who made outstanding contributions on the field and who embodies the artistry and pageantry of Color Guard, leadership, and service. 

Breanna Hawkins

2023 – 2024

 

Elora Albright

2022 – 2023

 

Reagan Schultz

2021 – 2022

 

Makayla Hicks

2020 – 2021

 

Savannah Beazer

2019 – 2020

 

Jewel Basden

2018 – 2019

Olivia Martin, 2024 Rookie of the Year Award Recipient

The Rookie of the Year Award

Established in 2022, this award recognizes a freshman who maintains the highest musical and academic standards, shows leadership within their class, and continually strives to achieve the highest ideals and standards of the Ooltewah Band while maintaining a positive attitude and work ethic.

Olivia Martin

2023 – 2024 

 

Kelbee Russell

2022 – 2023