Heritage High band performed at prestigious Rome parade
Heritage High School’s marching band performed in the prestigious Rome New Year’s Day Parade and Festival on January 1 in Rome, Italy.
The band received its invitation to participate in the parade in November of 2023 and raised funds for the trip. The event is an important part of Rome’s celebration of the New Year, according to organizers. It was live-streamed worldwide.
To prepare for the performance, the band practiced music and marching five days a week, according to Jemere Brown, Heritage High band director. Band members practiced marching in parade formation, marching and playing their instruments, learning new music and cardio exercises to build stamina.
The Heritage band and other invited musicians had an immersive week in the Eternal City of Rome, performing in the parade and participating in a full educational program of visiting museums, historic sites and places of architectural and artistic interest.
Woman’s Club donates funds for NNPS health curriculum addition
The Woman’s Club of Newport News generously donated $2,027.50, raised through its annual Bottle Auction fundraiser, to support the implementation of the Prevention Project curriculum in Newport News Public Schools.
Club officials presented their check to Jennifer Mulrine, NNPS health and physical education instructional supervisor, at the school division administration building in January. The Prevention Project is provided by Freekind, a nonprofit that educates the community to increase awareness, prevention and advocacy to fight human trafficking.
“This impactful human trafficking curriculum is designed to empower and educate students in grades six through eight during their family life classes,” Mulrine said. “This thoughtful contribution will help equip our students with the skills to recognize and prevent human trafficking, fostering awareness and safety in our community.”
Heritage and Menchville soar at REC Aerial Drone Competition
Students from Heritage and Menchville high schools soared to new heights at the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation’s Aerial Drone Competition held on Dec. 14 at NASA Langley Research Center.
Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in advancing to the semifinals in a competitive field, according to Kevin Nelhuebel, STEM instructional specialist for Newport News Public Schools.
The Menchville High School team earned special recognition with the Airmanship Award, celebrating their precision, teamwork and excellence in drone operation. This prestigious accolade underscores the team’s dedication to mastering the art of drone navigation and serves as a proud achievement for the school, according to Nelhuebel.
