The Bland County Board of Supervisors recognized the outstanding 2018 season of the Pride of Bland County High School Marching Band and Jessica Looney for her artwork at the November 27th meeting.

“The high school marching band has had a wonderful year on the football fields on Friday nights as well as multiple competitions this year,” stated Adam Kidd, Chairman of the Bland County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Kidd continued, “Bland County is fortunate to have many hard working and talented citizens and organizations. The Board of Supervisors welcomes the opportunity to recognize those efforts.” The Pride of Bland County Marching Band earned 28 total various awards in 2018, the most awards in school history.

“The Board of Supervisors and the County of Bland are very proud of the hard work and dedication the students, the band instructor Mr. Perdue, parents, volunteers, and school administration have made to improve and grow the overall marching band program,” stated Supervisor Randy Johnson. “It is always a joy to witness the results of students’ efforts.” High school band membership is now over 50 students. 2018 was the first time the high school marching band has competed full time in 2A or 3A marching band class divisions, which are the largest schools and bands in which the Bland County High School Band has ever competed against. “What a great evening,” stated supervisor Stephen Kelley. “The outstanding talents and community spirit held in the County of Bland never ceases to amaze me.”

The Board of Supervisors also recognized Jessica Looney for her artwork and creation of a custom Christmas ornament to be displayed in the Executive Mansion in Richmond. “Jessica is very talented and we are amazed at the wonderful job she did in creating the ornament,” stated supervisor Karen Hodock. “She was able to capture the essence of the theme that was presented to her in a beautiful ornament. All of the supervisors are in awe of the tremendous strides the band program has made as well as the skills that Jessica possess in art.” This is the fourth year of the Executive Mansion Christmas Ornaments program in which the County of Bland has participated. Localities are asked to provide a locally produced ornament that displays its natural beauty and history. The theme for 2018 was the Festival of Leaves.

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