Winnfield Senior High School Principal Chase Bartlett took the opportunity of the School Board’s monthly “Spotlight” agenda item to brag on accomplishments of the school’s band as well as other “Excellence Every Day, Every Way” throughout WSHS.

“I want to spotlight the hard work and effort that our students put in with classes, sports and special activities.  WSHS is a place where students and teachers come to school every day to do their best.”  An earlier theme was “Excellence without Excuses.”  This year, that’s been adapted to “Excellence Every Day, Every Way.”

The school offers many opportunities so he said the October spotlight could have been on many of the groups and clubs at the school.  He selected the WSHS band because of its recent growth and its role of engendering school spirit and pride, perhaps most visible during this, Homecoming Week.

He told the board that “it’s not a lie to say we’ve struggled to maintain over that past couple of years” when band participation, once a great part of the WSHS scene, had faded to 6 or 7.  A turning point came when Kenny Guin, a WSHS band member from 1998 to 2001, asked for the opportunity to build the band back to its former greatness.

Today, with nearly 40 enrolled in band and some 30 of those taking part in events like football games, “that is remarkable,” said Bartlett who also praised Kathy Bankston who assists Guin with the band.

“You can hear the excitement at our events,” the principal went on.  “Our band is a big part of that.  They are good.  They have been a big part of bringing back the pride at WSHS.”

The seating area in the School Board meeting room was fuller than usual Monday night as Bartlett had asked band members to attend.  Many did and were each invited to greet the board and explain their role in the band.

Members are:  Joseph Bourgeyone, Dylan Smart, Rayshawn Hollingsworth, Justus Coward, Jaleeya Walker, Shaniya Sapp, Persia Davenport, Kimorie McMillian, Raishaun Harris, Cleotis White, Patience Green, Richard Harris, Latasi Mafinas, Calijah Manning, Ar’tavious Rogers, Savannah Vargas, D’yani Nears, Kimbreanna Mckinney, London Boyd, Kamari Evans, Violet Garvey, Alyesha Green, Jace Gympin, Zai’niya Hobdy, Raniya Jackson, Norah Parrack, Audrilyn Shaw, Brianna Southerland, Jordan Sullivan, Alan Vargas, Emily White, Madilyn White, Carter Williams, and Braylon Willis.