PICTURES TELL THE STORY...the Music Boosters help Matt Lovell celebrate 25 years of music education at BHS

Thanksgiving held a special meaning for the members of the BHS Marching Band who were joined by a multitude of parents and alumni to honor Matt Lovell's 25th anniversary as a music educator at Burlington High School.

The planning began in September when a call went out to current and alumni students and their families via snail and email. Before long we were communicating with alumni from as far back as the '90s who were anxious to come back to BHS to help honor Mr. Lovell, including his first ever drum major!

Also present at the game were Mr. Lovell's family, thrilled to be there to help celebrated such a special day.

The tribute took place during the pre-game ceremonies on Thanksgiving morning. Joining Booster's President Donna Gregorio and Boosters publicist Vanessa Ovian were Principal Patrick Larkin, Burlington Coordinator of Music John Middleton-Cox, Assistant Band Director Amanda Potts, Color Guard Advisor Jen Agati, Dance Squad Advisor Leanne Reardon, Percussion Advisor Joe Cincotta, Drum Majors Eric Leva and Catie Riggs, and Mr. Lovell's and BHS' first drum major ever, Michele (McGinness) MacPherson! BHS coaches came to congratulate him and a slew of paparazzi were present (see Burlington Daily Times Chronicle Friday issue, front page and stay tuned to the broadcast of the game with pre-game on BCAT).

The following is the text that was read during the tribute:

THE BHS MARCHING BAND WOULD LIKE TO DEDICATE THEIR PERFORMANCE TO MR. MATT LOVELL WHO IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AS A MUSIC EDUCATOR AND BAND DIRECTOR AT BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL.

OVER THE YEARS MR. LOVELL’S DEDICATION HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON STUDENTS, COLLEAGUES AND RESIDENTS, MANY OF WHOM ARE HERE TODAY. HIS BATON HAS GRACED HALF-TIME SHOWS, CONCERTS, ASSEMBLIES, VETERANS AND MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATIONS AND BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENTS.

MR. LOVELL, WE SALUTE YOUR DEDICATION TO THE STUDENTS OF BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS AND LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE TO COME.