Students get opportunity of a lifetime

by Justin Rudolph

Four students from the Ardmore Tiger Band were chosen to represent their school in the wreath laying ceremony on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers while on their trip to Washington D.C. from April 18 through the 23.

A panel of three teachers and three individuals unaffiliated with Ardmore High School were selected to read each two-page essay submitted by band members explaining why they should be chosen to represent their school and community for this auspicious occasion.

Ardmore High School Tiger Band students, from left, Elizabeth Robison, Carla Smith, Landria Curtis and Katie Godwin prepare for their trip to Washington, D.C. when they will represent their school in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.(courtesy photo)

Those selected were senior Carla Smith, senior Elizabeth Robison, junior Katie Godwin, and junior Landria Curtis.

On Friday, April 20, the four selected band members will place a wreath that was donated by the tour company hosting the trip’s activities stating “Ardmore AHS Tiger Band” upon the Tomb of the Unknowns which holds an unidentified soldier from each WWI and II, and Korea.

Carla Smith is the daughter of Dennis and Nina Smith. She is the granddaughter of Wesley and Melva Stroud and Luther and Joyce Smith all of Athens area. “This is a once in a lifetime experience that I couldn’t pass up,” Carla said, “and the historical value of this chance is something I will always be proud of.”

Carla is a Drum Major for the award winning Tiger Band, band president, president of Mu Alpha Theta, a member of Senior Beta, FCA, and the yearbook staff. She maintains a 4.09 weighted grade point average, and plans to attend the University of Montevallo in the fall.

Elizabeth Robison is the daughter of Jeff and Stacey Robison. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Nancy Robison of Athens, and Pat Beadle of Athens and John Turner of Grant, Alabama. “This opportunity means a great deal to me because my dad and my uncle both served in Operation Desert Storm and the young man I am currently dating is serving in Iraq,” explained Elizabeth.

Elizabeth has been a member of the Ardmore Tiger Band for 8 years. She is the Jr. Civitan Club President, a member of Spanish club and on the yearbook staff. She holds a 3.5 GPA and plans to further her education with a degree in music.

Katie Godwin is the daughter of Jennifer and David Godwin. She is the granddaughter of Lottie and Jack Meeks and Stan and Thelma Godwin all of the Huntsville area. “I really want to do this to represent my school and my family,” said Katie, “my dad and granddad served our country in the Marine Corps and I know it will be something special for them to remember also.”

Katie is a Drum Major for the Tiger Band, a member of FCA, Senior Beta, Spanish Club, and the Vice-President of Mu Alpha Theta and she maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Landria Curtis is the daughter of John and Donna Jo Curtis. She is the granddaughter of Eugenia Curtis of Ardmore. “I feel that this chance would be an opportunity of great honor, and I think this is a good way to commemorate my grandfather Harold Broadway who served in WWII,” stated Landria.

Landria has been a member of the Tiger Band since 5th grade. She has played basketball since the 7th grade and soccer since the 8th grade. She is a member of FFA, FCA, Jr. Civitan, and Senior Beta.