By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Over the past several months, the cafeteria at Thomson High School has hosted numerous scholarship-signing ceremonies, but few have drawn the crowd the school’s band did on the afternoon of May 8.

For the second consecutive year, the THS band held a large signing ceremony for seniors in the band who are moving on to collegiate band programs this summer and fall, drawing scores of parents, college band leaders and friends.

“We’re so incredibly blessed to have so many incredible students, and we wanted to celebrate some of our seniors that are going on to continue to play at the next level,” said THS Associate Director of Bands Justin White. “This is the second year we’ve done this, and this is just a really special day. In my opinion, this is the most important thing we do. This is the celebration of a complete music education.

“These guys have worked tremendously hard balancing school work with band practices and contests, and all of these things,” White added. “I know that you guys are going to be really well-prepared to handle the struggles and challenges of college. Just rely on the skills that you’ve worked on here. We’re very blessed to be here today.”

The following students will be continuing their band and visual ensemble careers in college:

-Rebecca Keith – Vanderbilt University

-Jackson Nolen – University of Southern Mississippi

-Kyara Lewis – University of South Alabama

-Toby Keahey -University of Alabama at Huntsville

-Sarah Moran – UAB

-Lucas Beetem – UAB

-Jamie Gallegos – UAB

-Kamren Keel – UAB

-Ethan Hall – UAB

-Rebecca Holt – UAB

-Austin Mooney – UAB

-John McCrory – UAB

-Anthony Tamashiro – UAB

-Reagan Kline – Majorette at UAB

-Christian Walker – University of Alabama

-Micah Houston – University of Alabama

-Tyler Nichols – Troy University

-Brent Lawler – Troy University

-Kathryn Anderon – Majorette at Troy University