Students shine at state music festival with record medals

During a recent government meeting, significant achievements in the arts and music education were highlighted, particularly following the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Solo and Ensemble Music Festival held on May 4th at Carroll University. Students from the district showcased their talents, earning a remarkable total of 207 medals, including 178 gold and 29 silver, which is more than double the number of awards received in 2023. Notable performances came from the West Allis Central High School Orchestra, which earned 18 gold and 1 silver, and the Nathan Hale High School band, which achieved an impressive 64 gold and 18 silver medals.

In addition to the festival accolades, Cameron Jenkins from Central High School received special recognition for exemplary performance in musical theater. The meeting also celebrated the establishment of the Dr. Marty Lexman Music Education Scholarship, which awarded $3,000 in scholarships to seven students across secondary schools. These scholarships support various musical pursuits, including private lessons and attendance at the WISTA Orchestra camp.

The recipients of the inaugural scholarships include Kaylee Tim for voice lessons, Ray Bigelow for music education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and several others pursuing instrumental lessons and music therapy.

The meeting also addressed challenges faced by the district's recreation and community service department, particularly following a ransomware attack that disrupted operations and payment processing. Assistant Finance Manager Michael Komski was recognized for his efforts in expediting delivery and setup during this crisis. The district continues to navigate the impacts of this incident while celebrating the achievements of its students and educators.