Smith-Cotton Band Students Honored

Four Smith-Cotton High School instrumental music students were honored with top awards during the Spring Band Concert on May 10 in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

Senior Yeager Coen received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which honors the high school's outstanding jazz musician.

Fellow senior Valerio Toderescu-Stavilla received the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, which recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. Both Coen and Toderescu-Stavilla have accepted music scholarships to attend Missouri State University in Springfield.

Junior Aliza Cram received the National School Orchestra Award. It recognizes excellence in playing and contributions to the ensemble. The Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, sponsored by the United States Marines Youth Foundation, went to senior Alex Esquivel.

ArmstrongAward: Smith-Cotton High senior Yeager Coen, left, receives the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award from S-C Director of Bands Grant Maledy during the Spring Band Concert on May 10 in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

SousaAward: Smith-Cotton High senior Valerio Toderescu-Stavilla, left, receives the John Phillip Sousa Band Award from S-C Director of Bands Grant Maledy during the Spring Band Concert on May 10 in the Heckart Performing Arts Center.

OrchestraAward: Sedalia 200 district Orchestra Director Michael Moellman, right, presents the National School Orchestra Award to junior Aliza Cram during the Spring Band Concert.

SemperFidelis: Smith-Cotton High senior Alex Esquivel, left, receives the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence from S-C Director of Bands Grant Maledy.