Members of the State High Marching Band entertain the crowd.

State College - On Saturday, May 19, a sold-out crowd of 200+ guests attended the inaugural Maroon & Gray Society Banquet to celebrate its first class of honorees and to support a hardworking, talented group of students, the State High Marching Band. Proceeds from the evening’s event totaled more than $60,000 and were dedicated toward the purchase of the band’s new uniforms.

The event was supported by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, title sponsor; Massaro CM Services, gray sponsor; local business advertisers; and generous donors.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, awards and remarks from:

• Robert O’Donnell, SCASD Superintendent
• Doug Loviscky, SCASD Education Foundation President
• Chris Buchignani, SCASD Education Foundation Vice President
• Carol Grim, SCASD Education Foundation Board Member, retired SCASD kindergarten teacher
• Mary Kay Montovino, SCASD Education Foundation Board Member, retired district employee
• Paul Leskowicz, SCASD Director of Music
• Sam Schneider, Marching Band Student President

Local broadcaster Jeff Byers served as volunteer emcee. State High musical groups, including SCAHS Jazz Combo, SCAHS Chamber Orchestra and SCAHS Chamber Singers, provided entertainment throughout the evening, and a portion of the Marching Band made a surprise appearance, closing out the evening with the State High Fight Song.

Leskowicz shared that the marching band’s current uniforms are nearly 25 years old. In addition to missing or loose buttons and broken zippers, some students are maintaining their hems with duct tape. A new uniform was on display throughout the evening for donors to view.

The inaugural class of Maroon & Gray Society honorees.

The inaugural Maroon & Gray Society honorees were:

• The late Marion Bressler, Lifelong Educator, Innovator and Author
• Steve Gentry, Teacher, Alum, Track Star and Coach
• Carol Gentry, High School English Teacher
• Joe Boris, Teacher of 40 Years, Commissioner of the Intramural Basketball Association
• Rich Victor, Award-Winning Music Educator
• Matthew Berrena, Alum, Honored Veteran
• Bob Drafall, Music Coordinator, Celebrated Choir Director
• The 1979 Championship baseball team
• All past SCAHS Alumni Association distinguished alumni

 

The State College Area School District Education Foundation is committed to enhancing the educational experience of students within the State College Area School District by providing financial support for innovative learning opportunities. In addition to proceeds from the Maroon & Gray Society Banquet, the foundation raises funds through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and by stewarding relationships with individuals, families and businesses in the community.