Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon presents prestigious John Philip Sousa awards to five area students

On May 11, Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon held the 16th Annual John Philip Sousa Awards Luncheon and recognized one outstanding student from each of the county’s high schools for their superior musicianship, leadership, dependability and loyalty. The Sousa Award is the most prestigious award for high school band students.

John Philip Sousa was not only a renowned composer and band leader, but he was also a strong supporter of school music programs. A pillar of American music, Sousa’s music inspires everyone who hears and performs it. Each student was introduced by their band director and presented with a trophy and certificate. Parents were included in the ceremony.

The award recipients for 2026 were:

•Centerburg High School - Michael Wallace

•Danville High School - Samuel Lyons

•East Knox High School - Daniel Adams

•Mount Vernon High School - Madeline Springer

•Fredericktown High School - Dominic Holdren

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and its programs, please visit us Facebook at facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfMountVernonOhio.