On May 16, 2018, at 10:15am, many choir and band students had their signings for colleges in the Earl D Prout auditorium if they were planning on pursuing some sort of music degree in college, from marching band or show choir to music education majors. Seven of these seniors came down to the auditorium for pictures.

Directors of music Kyle Karum (choir) and Kevin Cottrill (band) along with Debbie Carol (assistant band) and Karla Shutters (accompanist) also stood with the students, congratulating the students on all of their accomplishments and decisions to pursue music. “We’ve been sending kids off to these programs for thirty plus years, and we like to make sure that they know they have the opportunity to play in college. It’s super that we have the music population in this town that we do; we’re all really proud of the history,” said Kevil Cottrill, the SHS band director. 6 of the 7 attendees were in band for their SHS career. Morgan Boas was involved with band for four years and was in choir for her senior year.

Band student Chloe Bryden will be attending Purdue University to major in Biochemistry and will play in their marching band. Abby Wheeler, also a band student will be attending Ball State to major in Wildlife Conservation and play in the marching band. Also attending Ball State are Jason Walker and Dustin Morris, pursuing music education. Another music education major, Morgan Boas will be attending Marian University. Boas will also be playing in jazz band and performing in show choir at Marian. Josiah Massengale is pursuing music education at Purdue Fort Wayne. Shosei Ando will be attending the University of Wyoming for music performance.

Senior Josiah Massengale spoke on his decision to pursue music education at Purdue Fort Wayne after the signing, “I made this decision when I was a freshman, I was just in a really good mood when I got home from a marching band invitation, and I had just been looking deeper into teaching. My band director at my old school was one of my biggest idols, and I think that helped my decision along.”