By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
The widely-acclaimed Union City High School Band recently capped another successful season by honoring its seniors and several individual standouts at the program’s annual banquet.
Veteran director Jason Deem also paid tribute to longtime color guard director Laney Rogers, who is retiring from her post after leading that group to prominence on the national level the past 25 years.
Deem, who oversaw numerous group and individual accomplishments during the 2023-24 school year, noted all 18 seniors at the banquet, presenting them with individual plaques and recognizing them for their service and leadership to the program.
Most Outstanding Musicians from each grade were recognized, along with the Arion Award (chosen for outstanding service and leadership), and the John Phillip Sousa Award – given to the highest achieving musician.
Other accolades handed out included the Color Guard Award and recognition to the three top fundraisers in the program.
“We’ve had another outstanding year, and we never take those for granted,” Deem said. “We’re so blessed with unwavering support from our upper-lever administration at the school board office with Mr. (Wes) Kennedy and Mr. (Michael Paul) Miller, and our building-level administrators, Mr. (Jacob) Cross and Mr. (John) Graham.
“They are simply the best.”
Among those receiving special recognition at the banquet were: (see photos)
SENIORS
(front row, from left) Emmaline Qualls, Jaden Jurgiel, Emily Hammond, Bailey Wagoner, Dafne Lopez, Rebecca Ransom, Ava Javellana, Caitlyn Hoffman, Izzy Horton
(back row, from left) Ella Palmer, Ada Rogers, Tommy Miller, Payton Williams, Lucas Greer, Joseph Lattus, Bryce White, Ka’Jaylon Bell, Keaten Brown
MOST OUTSTANDING MUSICIANS
Caitlyn Hoffman – Senior
Jenna Kate Cross – Freshman
Amir Peat – Junior
Landon McAdams – Sophomore
TOP FUND RAISERS
Kinsley Campbell
Katie Goletto
Jeremy Rice
ARION AWARD
Bryce White
JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA AWARD
Landon McAdams
COLOR GUARD AWARD
Ella Palmer