Visitation Student Receives Prestigious John Philip Sousa Award

Lauren Petronack, daughter of Rachel and Mark Petronack of Woodbury and a 2013 graduate of Visitation School in Mendota Heights, received the John Philip Sousa Outstanding Senior Musician Award at an awards banquet in May. Lauren is one of 21 girls in the VISTA Band, which is comprised of students from St. Thomas Academy and Visitation School, and is one of very few Vis girls to have ever received the honor. Lauren, who plays the flute, has been a member of VISTA Band since her freshman year. As drum major, Lauren helped lead the VISTA Marching Band, Pep Band and Concert Band both at home and on their Austria/Germany tour during the students’ most recent spring break. According to Lauren, “Leadership can come in many forms: sports, school governments, activities. This is just one other avenue for leadership. Music is a universal language that is inclusive.” Since the award's inception in 1954, thousands of U.S. high schools have presented the John Philip Sousa Band Award to their most outstanding band student. The award recognizes young musicians displaying superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation and other qualities of conduct which school instrumental music programs strive to impart. The Sousa Award is the top nationwide prize in the school band field, both in prestige and appearance. It promotes the entire band by encouraging musicians to greater achievement and enthusiasm while providing an inspiring stimulus for potential instrumentalists. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster. “For me, the John Philip Sousa award is an incredible honor because it is a nationally recognized award. Many successful musicians have won this award in their high school years,” said Lauren. “I have immense respect for the past VISTA recipients; I always admired their hard work and dedication in band. Their leadership and loyalty have carried into other aspects of their lives. I am so honored to receive this award and be a part of that legacy.” Lauren will attend St. Olaf College in the fall, where she plans to study biology and exercise science. She also hopes to continue playing the flute in a smaller band or ensemble in college. About Visitation Visitation School, founded in 1873, provides an excellent education within a Catholic environment, combining a challenging academic program with the formation of students in faith and moral responsibility. Visitation is coed from preschool through grade 6 and all-girls in grades 7-12. To learn more about Visitation, go to www.visitation.net.