The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) is recognizing the Shawnee Mission North High School Marching Band and Director Chad Reed with a KSHSAA Heart of the Arts Award.
They have been presented with a certificate that states the honor is given to those “who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based activities.”
Reed and the band are recognized for various ways they give back to the community. They perform at local nursing homes and elementary schools and mentor younger band students.
The band is also being honored for an act of kindness they performed for a neighbor. Blanche Williams, who lives near the school, wrote a letter to the band complimenting their performance at the school’s homecoming parade. She invited them to perform again on her 85th birthday. When the day arrived, the band surprised her with a birthday band performance.
Heart of the Arts honorees receive a plaque to be displayed at school. As a nominee they are also submitted for consideration by the National Federation of State High School Associations for national recognition.