By Betsy Finklea
Superintendent Ray Rogers signed a proclamation on Monday morning declaring March as Music In Our Schools Month® at the District Auditorium.
As several music students looked on, a student read the purpose of Music In Our Schools® Month.
Kevin McLellan, the band teacher at Dillon Middle School, thanked Superintendent Ray Rogers and the school board for recognizing the efforts of the music programs in the schools and the countless hours that go into the program with practices, rehearsals, and performances.
Austin Green, the music teacher at Dillon Elementary School, and Matthew Parsley, the music teacher at Gordon Elementary School, also thanked the Superintendent and the school board for their support.
Joshua Fleetwood, the chorus teacher at Dillon Middle School, said music touches hearts, and music unlocks padlocks for some of the students they teach.
Adrian Wright, band teacher at Dillon High School, said the Superintendent and the school board are supportive financially, physically, and emotionally, and the signing of the proclamation is a capstone to this. He said he appreciates their support.
Superintendent Ray Rogers said the biggest thing is the impact that these teachers have on the students. He said the school board has spent a lot of money to make sure that the kids have what they need. Rogers said they need good people with our kids and these were some of them. He said they are not just teaching music, they are teaching life goals. Rogers thanked the teachers for all they do. He said it was an honor for their school board to proclaim Music In Our Schools® Month. Joshua Fleetwood read the proclamation. Rogers then signed the proclamation which reads as follows:
RESOLUTION:
School Board/Superintendent, PTA
WHEREAS, for more than 40 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association (NAFME) as Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), encouraging communities across the nation to focus on music education, and
WHEREAS, music education is part of a well-rounded education for every students as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act, and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness of the lasting positive impact of music education on the academic, personal, and professional growth of our students; and
WHEREAS, music education shapes the way our students understand themselves and the world around them, allowing for a deep engagement with learning; and
WHEREAS, Music In Our Schools Month reminds us that school is where all children should have access to music; and
WHEREAS, music educators, students, and communities throughout South Carolina demonstrate the importance of quality music education programs to the lives of young people
WHEREAS, Dillon District Four joins our music students, educators, and communities in celebrating the power of music education;
WHEREAS, Dillon School District Four celebrates the dedication of its music educators and recognizes the positive impact programs such as band, choir, elementary and music education initiative aligned with NAFME goals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Superintendent Ray Rogers and the Dillon School District Four Board of Trustees does hereby proclaim March 2026 as Music In Our Schools Month and encourages our citizens to celebrate and acknowledge every day, but especially in March that Music Education is an essential part of every student’s well-rounded education.
Signed by Superintendent Ray Rogers
March 2, 2026
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY BETSY FINKLEA/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
