“Lessons we learned in marching band gives me confidence.” Ava Stuchko said. Finding confidence and persistence is what Ava has found in marching band. It’s a reliable source to continue pushing her through and teaching her valuable moments. It also provides a strong sense of community, sportsmanship, and friendship.
Ava Stuchko has been a member of the Pennridge Marching Rams for her four years in high school. During her senior year, she became the section leader for the clarinets. Section leaders provide instruction, reliability, and confidence for students throughout the band. Section leaders actively work alongside the band’s staff and each other to help progress and help everyone in the band to perform the best they can to succeed throughout their football and competition season. Ava is not only a role model for students in band, but also an amazing friend. Ava is a member of other activities such as the high school’s jazz band, Red Cross club, National Honors Society, and pit orchestra. These activities have helped Ava grow as a person and a performer in her respective sports. Ava’s passion for music inspires others to rise and try their hardest with whatever they may be doing. Ava provides words of encouragement and motivation for other students.
During Ava’s first season of marching band, she won first place in the Yankee A division of Cavalcade of Bands. During her senior year, the band was up a division in Yankee Open. The change in divisions challenges the band, scoring them harder than an A division. During Ava’s senior year, the band placed sixth. “I know I had a good season… it’s sad we didn’t see that in the results.” Ava stated. Even when the score may be demotivating, Ava still is able to find the good and positivity in it. “She’s always very positive.” Kaylyn Barth, a student at Pennridge High School and a section leader with Ava, said.
After high school Ava plans to major in music education. Ava wants to help teach and give students opportunities like she did. When asked about how being a leader has impacted her, she said “I’ve been there to see them grow.” Ava finds happiness and fulfillment in seeing how others get better as they push themselves to be their best. This has been an amazing experience for Ava and has taught her some of her most valuable lessons and given her a sense of meaning and purpose.
“This activity teaches very worthwhile skills” Nicholas Hall, a teacher and marching band director at Pennridge High School, said. Ava has consistently shown growth throughout her time in band. Ava has grown as a person and a performer with every practice in marching band. Whether that is through practicing her instrument or facing challenges that might come with the activity. “The more you practice, the so much further you’ll go.” Ava said. The marching band has a loaded schedule, including practices on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. “It’s physically demanding, and we value our limited time together.” Hall said. Ava said that one of the things band taught her was her time management skills. Alongside marching band, Ava is also involved in other activities and includes homework in her time. Ava said, “making sure my section has everything they need to be prepared has been a challenge”. When managing a larger group, Ava has found it hard at some points but has persevered to make sure she is doing what she thinks is the best for them. “She likes to do the best in everything she does” Kaylyn Barth said. Ava is always there for anyone who may need her. “Even when she’s frustrated, she’s very kind” Kaylyn Barth said. Ava has been known to think things through to help the people around her. Even when she may not know or understand, she tries her best to figure out what needs to be done. Ava is always there for others and always willing to help. Her help and friendship go beyond her section as well. Ava is well liked throughout all the activities and programs she is a part of. Her generosity, kindness, and positivity spread throughout Pennridge.
