Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School band members were recognized with awards and scholarships at the recent District 123 Annual Band Concert.
The District recently announced that OLHMS 8th grader, Kevin Pankham, and 7th grader, Emma Whalen, received awards.
Kevin was awarded the “T. Sagan Outstanding Graduate Award” which is named in honor of Mr. Tom Sagen, District 123’s former band director for over 35 years. The award was voted on by the band students as to who they find to be the most outstanding OLHMS band member. Emma was awarded the “Most Improved Band Student”, which was chosen by the band directors.
The District 123 Band Booster Association also announced its annual scholarship winners the same night. The winners this year are listed below:
- Seventh Graders
- Emma Repetny–$600 Band Camp Scholarship
- Haley Thompson & Grace Trout–$200 Private Lessons Scholarship
- Sixth Graders
- Elliot Flores–$600 Band Camp Scholarship
- Jocelyn Gomez & Rachel Rodriguez–$200 Private Lessons Scholarship
The OLHMS Concert and Jazz Ensemble Bands both competed in the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) Northern Division State Contests. The Concert Band competed at Prairie View Middle School in Tinley Park and the Jazz Ensemble competed at Lisle Jr. High School in Lisle this year.
The Jazz Ensemble was one of only 11 area jazz ensemble/bands to qualify and compete in the State Jazz Contest/Festival. The Jazz Ensemble won a First Division Award 
for its performance of “The Blues Walk”, “Tres Picos”, and “Avenue Swing”. This is the sixth year in a row that the Jazz Ensemble has qualified for this prestigious contest and have won a First Division Award for the past five years in a row!
The OLHMS Concert Band was one of only 12 area bands to qualify and compete in the State Contest/Festival. The Concert Band won a First Division Award for its performance of “March of Honor”, “Evening Prayer”, and “Barrier Reef”. Since 2010, The Concert Band has qualified for this prestigious award five times and earned a First Division four times!
IGSMA is currently celebrating its 76th year of service to young musicians. The Northern Division covers approximately two-thirds of Illinois, from the line parallel with Springfield to Wisconsin. Nearly 300 public and parochial school districts currently are members. IGSMA’s mission is to foster growth in young musicians as they develop musical awareness through positive assessment of their performances. The achievements earned are a result of teachers, students, and parents working together as partners in the pursuit of excellence.
In a press release to various media outlets, District 123 saluted its young musicians for their hard work and commitment to excellence, and commended their parents/band directors for cultivating participation and high achievement.
The OLHMS Concert band is directed by Mrs. Beth Lyons and Mr. John Kehl. The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Mr. John Kehl.
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