Vicksburg High Band and Gator Girls, you deserve an apology

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg High School Pride Band and Gator Girls, you deserve a sincere apology. You are just as important to our city as anyone else.

Thursday’s event was big for the community, and it was a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the economic growth of our town. No one wants to minimize that, but, several students from Vicksburg said they felt left out, unseen, and unheard after being placed outside the building away from the celebration.

There are many sides to every story. Was it a coincidence? Was it intentional? Was it simply an honest mistake? Regardless of the answer you should still be recognized and respected.

If both schools are invited to an event, they should be treated equally.

We hear you. We see you. And we acknowledge your greatness. You should have been inside during this celebration. This moment was important to our city — just as you are.

Many of you could have been celebrating your induction into the National Technical Honor Society, yet you chose instead to represent your school at a historic event for your city. You’re great, and you always will be.

This is not a criticism of the school district, so breathe, VWSD. What happened was not your call or event. This was an event attended by the Governor and other elected officials.

VHS Band, we feel your frustration, and you are owed an apology. You are our future. Vicksburg and Warren Central High both produce some of the best sounds you’ll hear on a Friday night.

Not to shy away from the event, it was a great thing for Warren County and Vicksburg. A $3 billion investment in our community is just what we needed, and we thank those who made this happen. 

I’m sure no harm was meant to happen, but some kids in our community felt as if they were not apart of the event.

VHS Band, if no one steps up to apologize, we’ll do it for them. Continue to be great.

Your Accomplishments

If anyone needs a reminder of what you’ve achieved over the past couple of years, here it is:

• First place at the Copiah Academy Competition.
• First-place finishes in Color Guard, Drum Major, Percussion, Band, and overall Best Band. The Gator Girls also earned first place.
• First place in Heidelberg and superior honors at the state evaluation at Jones College. At state, the band earned top marks in every category: Dance (1), Color Guard (1), Drum Major (1), Percussion (2), and Band (1,1,1), for an overall first-place rating.
• At last year’s Magnolia Marching Championship: 2nd Place in Small Band Division Drum Majors, 1st Place in Small Band Division Color Guard, 1st Place in Small Band Division Percussion, and 1st Place in Small Band Division Overall. The Majorette/Dance Line finished 2nd Place Overall, along with 2nd Place Overall Percussion, 2nd Place Overall Band, and earned Superior Band and Superior Percussion honors.

Side note: Many reports came in stating that VHS was placed outside at an event held yesterday where both bands were in attendance. One band was outside, while the other was inside with the guests. Students expressed their frustration across social media about how upsetting the situation was.