GRAVETTE — Gravette’s Marching Lions Band continues to entertain the crowds at Gravette football games. And these performances have not been their only activities during the past several months.
Under the direction of Mike Johnson, the band recently participated in the Tri-State Marching Competition held at Heritage High School in Rogers. Competing with 11 bands from Arkansas and neighboring Oklahoma, Gravette earned the “Outstanding DrumMajors” award for their division.
In addition Gravette, for the first time in this competition, earned a spot in the finals.
The band also recently participated in the annual Region I Marching Assessment held at Rogers High School. Twenty-two bands took part in this competition.
Gravette earned an overall “excellent” rating and received a trophy for this achievement.
Even before the start of school this year, theMarching Lions participated in the annual Gravette Day parade. They will be marching in Gravette’s Christmas parade on December 12 and later that evening will be marching in the Tulsa “Parade of Lights”.
“We’ll be marching in the Gravette parade and then leave immediately for the parade in Tulsa which will begin about 6 p.m.,” Johnson said.. “It will be a full day.”
A stellar performance by the band last week in the Performing Arts Centerwas the band’s patriotic medley which stirred the crowd during the Tribute to Veterans assembly.
Band members are looking forward to spring break when they will be marching at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL, in Walt Disney World’s Magic Music Days Parade.
The band members and Director Johnson expressed, “Thanks to the Gravette School District and the many businesses, organizations and individuals who support us each year. We appreciate you.”Playoff Game Here Friday Night
Gravette Lions will meet the Heber Springs Panthers this Friday in the second round of Class 4A playoffs. Kickoff for the game will be at 7:30 p.m.
Gravette defeated Valley View 12-7 last Fridayin opening round action and the Panthers defeated Arkadelphia 45-26.
A reminder is issued that senior citizen and other locally issued tickets and passes are not honored at AAA playoff games.
Local Students Receive Flu Immunizations
Two days last week were “shot days” in Gravette schools as students at every grade level lined up for immunizations against the H1N1 influenza as well as traditional flu shots.
A total of 756 students received the immunizations which were administered by the school nurse staff, students in the GHS Certified Nursing Assistance Class, nursing students from Northwest Arkansas Community College and Marie Kane from Mercy Health Clinic.
The program was under the direction of the Arkansas Health Department staff in Bentonville. There was no charge forthe shots.
The district school nurses are Robin Hilger, Wendy Canton and Karen Kerr.
Less than 50% of the nearly 1,800 district students opted to take the flu vaccines. Many parents apparently did not want their children to participate and a number simply forgot to return the necessary paperwork required, it was noted by staff.
Seasonal flu shots were also available for staff members with about 20% participation reported.
No second round of immunizations is scheduled through the schools, according to present information.
VACATION
Thanksgiving break starts Tuesday of next week for students. Classes will resume Monday, Nov. 30.
News, Pages 1 on 11/18/2009