Parkway Board of Education honors 40 All State Music students from local high schools

The Parkway C-2 School District Board of Education convened on April 16, 2025, to address several key agenda items, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. All board members were present, confirming a full attendance for the meeting.

The first significant item on the agenda was a special recognition of Parkway students who achieved All State Music honors at the Missouri Music Educators Association conference in February. Jeff Lanky, the coordinator of fine arts, presented the accolades, highlighting the accomplishments of 40 talented musicians from Parkway High School. These students were selected for prestigious ensembles, including the All State Band, Jazz Band, Choir, and Orchestra, through a rigorous audition process.

Lanky emphasized the dedication and skill required to earn a place in these ensembles, noting that students first had to be selected from their local groups before competing at the state level. The All State ensembles performed at the Music Educators Conference, showcasing their talents to an audience of music educators, administrators, and families.

During the recognition, Lanky called each group of musicians to the podium, where they were greeted by the Board of Education. The All State Band included eight students, with notable performances from clarinetist Ethan Denny and percussionist Colin Jackson, among others. Additionally, two students were recognized for the All State Jazz Band, four for the All State Choir, and ten for the All State Orchestra.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the students' hard work and the vital support from their music educators and families, underscoring the community's commitment to fostering artistic excellence in education. No further agenda items were discussed, and the meeting adjourned following the recognition ceremony.