LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Kiwanis Club of Lima is recognizing some of the top high school musicians in Allen County, honoring 11 students with the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award.
The award, considered the highest honor a high school musician can receive, has been presented by the local Kiwanis club since 1961 to students who demonstrate outstanding musical ability, leadership and dedication.
In addition to the Sousa Awards, one student is selected each year to receive the Ronald W. Richards Young Musician Scholarship. This year’s recipient is Elida High School tuba player Benton Harris, who was awarded $4,000 to support his college education.
“I want to go to Bowling Green State University and when major in music education, and then after I get my bachelor's in music education, depending what cards I have at the moment, I either want to continue on and get my Master's in music education. I don't know what college, maybe Bowling Green again, or I might go to another college. I don't know, it depends what happens at the time. Or I want to go get a teaching job at school,” Harris said.
Harris said he plans to pursue a degree in music education and hopes to work with young musicians in the future.
This year’s John Philip Sousa Award recipients include: Lucy Thornes of Allen East, Nevy Houx of Bath, Ty Huffman of Bluffton, Ashlyn Mosier of Delphos Jefferson, Benton Harris of Elida, Addison Fay of Lima Central Catholic, Ian Snobeck of Lima Senior, Maggie Hale of Perry, William Owen of Shawnee, Ethan Boggs of Spencerville and Zachariah Metz of Temple Christian.
