Senior band student Melissa Wohrley was named as the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award; MHS sophomore Mia Artman was named as the recipient of the John Becker Memorial Award.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
Recipient of the John Philip Sousa Band Award is Mendota High School senior Melissa Wohrley. Winner of the John Becker Memorial Award is sophomore Mia Artman. (Reporter photo by Jennifer Sommer)
MENDOTA - The John Philip Sousa Award is the highest honor given in instrumental music at Mendota High School. The recipient of this award was chosen by her peers. Senior band student Melissa Wohrley was recognized for outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for loyalty and cooperation, and for generally displaying the high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music strives to impart.
This is the 61th year the Sousa Award has been given at MHS. This year’s winner will receive a desk piece and will have her name inscribed on a wall plaque, which is displayed in the band room. Melissa is the daughter of Kevin and Jill Wohrley.
MHS sophomore Mia Artman was named as the recipient of the John Becker Memorial Award. Mia was included on a list of candidates chosen by the band faculty and then band officers made the final selection through a confidential ballot. As the 36th recipient of this award, she will receive a personal plaque and will have her name inscribed on a wall plaque, which is displayed in the band room. Mia is the daughter of Jason and Tori Artman.
John Becker was a sophomore trombone player in the Mendota High School Concert Band. He was devoted to the study of trombone and the MHS band program. He was a serious student in school, an honor roll student, and held very high expectations for himself and the band. He was well liked and respected by both students and faculty. John passed away suddenly in November of 1981, at which time this memorial award was established. The award goes to a sophomore boy or girl who most exemplifies those qualities possessed by John.
Both awards were announced during the MHS Graduation Concert, which was held on April 25.
