OPELIKA- During Tuesday’s Opelika Council Meeting, Mayor Eddie Smith, on behalf of the council, recognized the 15 Opelika High School’s Kilgore Scholarship winners. Before the presentation, Smith provided background on the historical effect of the scholarship on Opelika students.
“The Kilgore Scholarship was established many years ago with a donation that has kept on giving, recognizing the very best. To qualify for a Kilgore scholarship, you’ve got to be, in this case, in the top 15 in the class.
Following gifts from the city of Opelika Council and congratulations from friends and family, the students thanked all as they exited the chambers in preparation for Friday’s graduation.
Mayor Smith then recognized the Opelika Middle School Band, after their recent impressive performance in Orlando, FL.
“Mr. McGlynn is the band director at Opelika Middle School for the symphonic band precursor, among other things. This special group of comprimised of 32 seventh and eighth-graders went to Orlando and competed.
They won the top award in this country for the procession ensemble, and we could not be happier,” said Smith.
Associate Director of Bands at Opelika Middle School, Mike McGlynn, addressed the council on how proud he was of the band members.
“Well, first, I want to thank all the administrators, Ms. Williams, and Dr. Davis for all the support that they have given, as well as our band directors at Opelika City Schools. We’re very fortunate to get their support. This year was special because not only did they win first place in Progression Ensemble in the Orlando Fest competition, they were also the grand champion, which is the highest score out of any group that’s performing, and had the highest score for the entire Orlando Fest season, said McGlynn.
Afterward, McGlynn introduced band members as the crowd erupted into applause.
“Ladies and gentlemen, these are the ones that you’ll be looking at four years from now. The best of the best that we have at Opelika Middle School right now will become the best of the best at Opelika High School”, said Smith.
