Longview ISD administrators and the Board of Trustees recognized student achievement in the arts on Tuesday night May 16, during the 45th annual LHS Awards of Excellence Banquet at the Mickey Melton Performing Arts Center.
Each presentation of medals was accompanied by a creative arts performance by Longview High School students.
Luke Farr was honored in the Art category by instructor Jeff Hull, with samples of his work on display throughout the venue.
Sebastian Colon Antommarchi and Joshua Gonzalez were awarded in Band by Director Rhonda Daniel, and performed “Introduction and Dance” by J.E. Barat and “Concerto in E Flat Op. 109” by A. Glazounov, respectively.
Richard Flores and Caroline Mason were honored in the Choir category by instructor Melody McMullen, with Richard performing a piece titled “Danza Danza Fanciulla Gentile” by Francesco Durante and Caroline performing “Love’s Philosophy” by Roger Quilter.
Rachel De Jong was recognized for her publishing work in the Communications category by Yearbook/Journalism adviser Sasha Cantu.
Hannah McCrory, Halle Moore, and Hailey Pitman received awards for the Dance category by Debbie McGowan, and performed a dance trio to “Girl Next Door.”
Mikeia Robertson was honored in the Orchestra category by Jacob Bridges.
Nathan Bachtell, Madison Davidson, Ben Hatfield, and Caroline Mason were honored in the Theatre category by Pam Mercer-McWilliams and performed 2 duets from “Guys and Dolls”.
Karsyn Doxey was awarded by Josh Graves for Lobo Film and featured her “Peach Lane” short film.
Established in 1976, the event honors the most outstanding senior students in the arts and academics. At that first banquet, then-superintendent Dr. Henry Wheeler said the purpose is to “pay tribute to our best, our most talented, and to impress upon them that they each have a story to tell.”
Current LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox praised the students, staff, and families in attendance “for giving so generously of your time, your energy, and your talent.”
“Those of us in the administration can just stand back and say ‘wow’ when we see what these young people are able to accomplish,” he said. “It’s very personally rewarding for me to play just a small part in helping all of our students pursue and achieve such excellence.”
