By Maggie Blackwell
mblackwell@salisburypost.comDr. Michael Bitzer, professor of history and political science at Catawba College, addressed parents and students at Knox Middle School on Tuesday.
The event was sponsored by the Knox “Pride of Troy” Band Boosters. Thirty-eight honors students who play in the band were inducted into the band honor society, and twenty-six returning members were recognized.
Bitzer, former Dean of Admissions at Catawba, spoke to students about preparing for college. “Once you enter the ninth grade, the clock starts ticking,” Bitzer said.
He identified four steps for students to place themselves in the best possible position for college acceptance:
– Challenge yourself. Be willing to step up to the highest classes you can take. A “B” in an honors or advanced placement class is considered by colleges to be higher than an “A” in a regular class.
– Excel in challenging circumstances. Join honors societies. Consider extracurricular groups that will look good on your transcript.
– Do your homework when you start to think about college. Don’t wait until your senior year to consider your options.
– Follow your gut. When you visit campuses, ask yourself, “Is this the place for me?” Some students are best suited for large campuses and large classes; some will succeed in a smaller environment. Figure out where you belong.
Mr. Sam Kyzer, band director, presented four scholarships to Summer Band Camp at UNC-G. The recipients are:
– Thurston Alexander, a sixth grader who plays trombone.
– Jayln McCombs, a seventh grader who plays clarinet.
– Rayia Johnson, a sixth grader who plays flute.
– Traci Leak, an eighth grader who plays flute, baritone saxophone, and piano.
The scholarships, worth about $400 each, were made possible by grants from the Rowan Arts Council, the North Carolina Arts Council, the state of North Carolina, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Kyzer said, “The Grassroots Grant fulfills a dream of ours to provide a quality summer music camp experience for deserving students. We selected these students on three criteria: commitment to the band program, economic need, and quality musicianship.
“The partnership with Rowan Arts Council and North Carolina Arts Council is one of the great new partnerships at Knox Middle School.
“Finally, the UNC-G summer music camp is one of the finest summer music experiences in the southeast US.”
Mr. G. Brian Moragne El, Knox principal, praised the event.
“Music is such an important part of a child’s skills. It develops aptitude in other subjects. Music is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. I am proud of Mr. Kyzer, who worked so hard to make the scholarships possible, and the band boosters, who have always been a strong organization at Knox.”
The scholarship recipients will help at a local band camp being held at Knox after returning from their week at UNC-G.
Bitzer concluded the program with a challenge to students.
“Your potential starts today. You are the future of this nation.”