North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Annie Rigby
Loris High School band director Stephen Whisnant (Mr. Whiz) ordered signs for each of the 2020 graduates who participated in band and orchestra and placed them in the grass in front of the Loris Chamber of Commerce. A proud teacher of 26 years he feels for the graduates missing their spring concerts, practicing and playing their instruments one last time for Loris High School.
Mr. Whiz said, “I want the kids to feel appreciated and this is one way to show the city how proud we are of the students graduating;” he continued, “they have been with me since they started high school and have grown in learning their instrument and expanding their musical talent.” Although the athletic department yard signs were donated, A1 signs and Graphics in Conway charged the band department for the 18 signs for the band and orchestra. Mr. Whiz felt it was worth the money well spent to put smiles on the kids’ faces when they see their name on the signs. He asked the students to take pictures with their signs and send them to him for publication.
Band seniors are Bakari Kirton- flute; Taylor Prichinello- flute; Trinity Jacobs- clarinet; Dennis Dew- clarinet; Ja’Reizz Grate- alto-sax; Brandon Humphreys- trumpet; Dylan Tyler- trumpet; Colby Gerald- French horn and drum major; Alyssa Ruppe- euphonium and drum major; Ja’Lisa Grate- tuba; Michael McCray- tuba; Chessa Lee- percussion; and Elijah Springs- percussion.
Orchestra seniors are Riley Gause- violin; Hailey Graham- violin; Ethan Lewis- violin; Josie Prince- viola; and Brittany Strickland- violin.
On Saturday, April 25, the band, orchestra and athletic seniors were invited to the Loris Chamber of Commerce to pick up their signs and place them in the front lawns of their homes to display, sharing with their neighbors the hard work they put into their instruments and choice of sports.
Thank you band and orchestra seniors for the hard work and dedication you displayed while on the field during football season, at the band days in the fall and on stage in the school auditorium providing beautiful music. Best wishes in your future.
LHS senior Quan Soles sport track and field and senior Cameron Davis sport soccer are recognized by the school’s athletic department for their years of determination, hard work and being a team player. Last week’s article did not include these seniors.
