A BCS teacher who strikes a lasting chord with his students has been honored for nurturing young musicians and fostering a deep, enduring love of music. Kevin Young, band director at Enka High School, has earned the Award of Excellence for the Western Region from the North Carolina Bandmasters Association.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor—not for myself, but for my students,” Mr. Young shared. “They are the heart and soul of everything I do. Their dedication, passion, and hard work are what make this recognition truly meaningful. As educators, our purpose is to guide, inspire, and create opportunities for growth. This award is a testament to their commitment and achievements. Seeing them succeed and develop a lifelong love for music is the greatest reward of all.”
The Bandmasters present the award to someone committed to excellence in music education and their community. Many in our area experienced that through attending the 50th anniversary of the Land of the Sky Marching Band Festival last year. Mr. Young, a graduate of North Buncombe High School, says the teachers he had growing up have been a tremendous influence.
“I was fortunate to have amazing educators who inspired me early on,” he said. “My middle school and high school band directors, Mary Jo Sparrow and Sandy Boone, played a significant role in shaping my love for music and laying the groundwork for my future in music education. Their passion and guidance helped ignite the spark that still drives me today.”
Congratulations, Mr. Young!