by C. Johnson President PHSN Student Council
T
Coast to Coast with the Central Marching Tiger’s as they prepare for an unprecedented fourth appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
“It is such an honor to represent the Pickerington community. I am so proud of the students, past and present, and thankful to all the parents who have made this possible,” said Mike Sewell, PHSC band director. Many students are excited about taking part in what is becoming a PHSC tradition, while others are trying to figure out just how they will march and fit into the space in front of the historic Macy’s Department Store where they will be featured on television. The Tigers will play a special arrangement called Jing Jing Jing, which is a combination of Jingle Bells and the big band favorite, Sing Sing Sing. “The Macy’s folks expect something upbeat and peppy from our kids and this tune will deliver,” said Sewell. The parade has extra significance to Tiger Band members T. Miller (senior), R. Burley (sophomore), and A. Blanton (sophomore). All three have older siblings who marched in the 2001 Macy’s Parade. This year they will not only be marching in the 2009 Macy’s Parade, but also the 2010
However, as a senior who has walked these halls, this building is something much greater. I have spent the last thirteen years in Pickerington Local Schools, and I can honestly say there is a reason why we are one of the most respected school districts in all of Ohio.
Tournament of Roses Parade.
Not only do we have the most intelligent and diligent staff, faculty and advisors, but a key factor to Pickerington’s success is its’ students.
“In 2001 all I remember is that my family left me in Ohio to go watch my sister,” said Burley. “I never saw my brother because we were doing all kinds of touristy stuff,” said Miller.
I have never met a group of kids who are more involved and passionate about what they do.
Blanton recalls watching for her brother David to march by with his tuba decorated in a special red, white, and blue patriotic cover. Each expressed amazement and awe that they will be marching in both parades just like their older brothers and sisters.
As a student who is probably considered an “over achiever”, I take great pride in my school work and grades. I know what it takes to be a good student, and I’ll admit it is not easy.
by Karen Sewell, Contributing Writer While most will enjoy a restful four day Thanksgiving break this coming November, the Pickerington High School Central (PHSC) Marching Tigers will spend their break marching in “the Longest Running Show on Broadway,” the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This will be the band’s fourth appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (other years were 1991, 1995 and 2001).
Photo courtesy of PHSC Music Boosters
Turkey, Roses and Music
here have been hundreds of people that have passed though the halls of Pickerington High School North and see it as nothing more than just that: a high school. To them, it is just a building where students gather to participate in the advancement of education and various extracurricular activities.
“I am not looking forward to that 3 a.m. rehearsal my brother told me about, ” said Miller. Blanton and Burley agreed, the most memorable moment from the 2006 Rose Parade was the rain. It was incredibly wet. “The banner was so heavy from water that the pole broke in route. Some people felt sorry for us and held up signs saying ‘You’re almost done,’ and we still had two miles to march,” they continued. Yet everyone involved expressed their appreciation for all the former band students, including their siblings whose hard work made their appearances this year possible. “Ours will be the best performance yet, but we wouldn’t be here without them!” For more information about the trips, special trip related items for purchase, or other information on helping the Marching Tigers Coast To Coast, please contact the PHS Central Band Room at 614-833-3042.
Our curriculum is tough and pushes us to exceed our personal limits and expectations. Some might call our students “smart.” I just call us hard-working. In addition to the effort our students put forth in the classroom, the same amount, if not more, is focused on extracurriculars.
True Value continued on pg. 8
5 October 2009 | The School Bell | www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
The True Value of a Pickerington Education