Six NNPS students named All-Virginia musicians
Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) is home to six gifted musicians who have been named among the best high school vocalists and instrumentalists in the Commonwealth.
Savion Frazier and Celeste Kelly from Heritage High School, Casey York from Warwick High School and Daria Garnett and Emma Thomas from Woodside High School have been named to the All-Virginia Chorus. Liam Barnstead from Woodside High School has been named to the All-Virginia Symphonic Band.
To achieve this accomplishment, the student musicians auditioned and earned a top chair or place in a district event, ensuring their eligibility to audition for an All-Virginia Ensemble. Selection to an All-Virginia ensemble represents the highest honor that the Virginia Music Educators Association can bestow upon a student musician.
Menchville High School named a Virginia Honor Band
Menchville High School’s band has earned designation as a 2023 Virginia Honor Band by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association.
High school bands achieving superior ratings at the state marching band festival and at a district concert festival are recognized as an Honor Band, the highest award that can be bestowed upon a band. The Menchville High School Band has a proud history. It is a nine-time Honor Band honoree.
Director named Athletic Administrator of the Year
Lee Martin, director of athletics, has been named the 2023 Class 5/6 Athletic Administrator of the Year by the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
Martin joined NNPS in 2022. As a seasoned high school athletic director, he has brought a wealth of knowledge to the school division and is working to enhance the athletic program.
He led the installation of new scoreboards and lighting at middle and high school athletic fields. Martin also led the expansion of the middle school athletic program, which includes the development of practice and game fields to support the launch and expansion of seven middle school sports.
Telecommunications supervisor inducted into 2023 High School Hall of Fame
Ray Price, telecommunications supervisor, has been inducted into the 2023 High School Hall of Fame by the Virginia High School League. Price is recognized for his unyielding commitment to the promotion, broadcast and streaming of high school athletics in NNPS. During the induction ceremony, he was noted for setting the standard for high school sports broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth.
During his 30-year tenure in the school division, with the support of his student videographers, Price has coordinated, produced and directed more than 150 live high school football games featuring thousands of student-athletes in competition. In recent years, he has expanded sports coverage to feature basketball, wrestling, volleyball and middle school sports.
