Saturday, August 31, 2024
During the August 19th meeting of the Gatesville Independent School District Board of Trustees, several individuals were included in the “spotlight.” GISD Superintendent Dr. Barrett Pollard had the following to say about these individuals:
Student Spotlight:
We want to recognize GHS Choir student Nevin Benning on being selected as an Outstanding Performer at the 2024 UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition. On May 27th, 11 students from GHS Choir traveled to the Austin area to compete at the TSSEC. These students were chosen from approximately 100,000 musicians from around the state who qualified for TSSEC. Each singer performs their memorized solo for a judge who gives them a rating. Additionally, each judge can designate certain spectacular performances to receive an Outstanding Performer award. Only roughly 2% of all the performances earn this distinguished honor! In recognition of this honor, each student is awarded a gold UIL State Champion medal. Nevin Benning, a current Junior, performed “The Vagabond” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. His judge was immediately impressed and stated that Nevin should definitely study music in college. Nevin makes the 4th Outstanding Performer from GHS Choir in the past 6 years. Please help us recognize Nevin Benning.
Coach / Team Spotlight:
We want to honor the 2024 Hornet Baseball Team as well as their head coach Chase Smith. GHS finished with an overall record of 23 wins, 14 losses, and one tie despite playing a very demanding schedule. The Hornets tied for 2nd place in play and ended up advancing three rounds deep into the postseason, eventually losing to district rival Salado in a best-of-three playoff series. The team consisted of outstanding young men and were led by GHS head coach Chase Smith. Coach Smith has been at the helm of the Hornet baseball program now for four seasons. During that time, GHS has posted 3 winning seasons and advanced to the playoffs in three of those four years. Smith and the Hornets have advanced to the regional quarterfinals in each of the past two seasons. He has done an outstanding job of increasing interest in the GHS program and increasing the number of players in the program. In addition, Coach Smith does a fantastic job of teaching all our business marketing classes. Please help us honor Coach Smith and the 2024 baseball team.
