Erica

Thank You

10 - October

To the Hickman High School Marching Band –

The Kassel Family time has come to an end. From our daughter’s humble beginnings during COVID with “Black Widow”,…

…to our daughter’s first experience with props in “Untamed”,…

…to the first time our kids marched together in “The Crown”,…

…to the judge almost being run over in “The Hive”,…

…to “The Agent” winning Blue Springs when the show wasn’t even finished,…

…and finally, to a goose-bump inducing performance of “Broken Hearts” at Bands of America,…

…it has been quite a ride. While the band has seen so much success and it has been so much fun watching every moment, that is not what I hope my kids remember. What I hope they remember is band camp, the countless hours of early morning practice, section breakfasts, repeating the same drill over and over, Friday Night Lights, the hard work, and the fun. I hope they remember the lessons learned even if they did not realize there was a lesson. They learned to hold themselves accountable. They learned kindness. They learned leadership skills. They learned how to be confident, which led to our daughter continuing to march at Southeast Missouri State University.

They learned how to help and support everyone even when they didn’t get along with another member. These are the life lessons that matter so much more than all the trophies in the world.

To Mr. Swope, Mr. Sweeney, and the rest of the staff – I truly hope that you know what you have built here. The growth of this band over our six, short years is nothing short of phenomenal. This band is a true team. Every kid matters and every kid has a home here. They work so hard every day for each other and that is because of you. Twenty years from now, my kids will still be talking about you. Yes, they will talk about the fun times, and they will laugh about the crazy times, but they will remember the directors and staff that made them a part of a team that was larger than themselves. You did more than just your job. It is an experience that my kids and all of these kids will never forget.

A simple thank you just does not seem like enough, but it will have to do. March on, Kewpies! You will always have our hearts.

The Kassels – Andrew, Erica, Laura, and John

Erica

Senior Night

10 - October

Friday Night Lights brought the final football game of the season and Senior Night for our boy.

After watching the show from the track, the 40 Seniors in Marching Band and Color Guard were honored.

Because Laura could not be here tonight as she has SEMO Homecoming tomorrow, she wrote John a card that Andy and I delivered to him.

It is so hard to believe that John’s last marching band season is nearly over. We are so proud of him for putting in all the hard work and effort these past four years!

There are just some things in life that you never forget, and marching in the Hickman High School Marching Band is one of those.

Erica

Tassel

10 - October

When it is cap and gown and graduation announcement purchase day and your baby comes home with a Class of 2026 tassel, it suddenly seems too real. It was real when we had to buy them for Laura, but we still had John at home. Now, it is really real. He is the baby. Time feels like a thief today.