With wins and losses of the Pinecrest football program being discussed and the Pinecrest teams being hailed as comeback kids, their achievements are to be commended. I agree the program has made a remarkable turnaround, and not many doubt the input and efforts of Coach Metzger.

However, don't overlook the similar efforts made by the Pinecrest marching band program. After 20-plus years, we have a competition-level marching band program under the talented and caring leadership of Director Jim Muccio.

Last year, the program struggled to get to the competitions with all of the band equipment and uniforms intact. After all, we had no idea what we were supposed to be doing. But we persevered and learned a lot.

It's remarkable that we managed to host our own competition four short weeks into the school year, and the school administration and community supported us in more ways than we imagined possible.

The Marching Patriots traveled to Clinton to compete in their largest competition ever, where 29 of the best bands around the state competed. With six bands participating in Class 3A, the Pinecrest Marching Patriot Band came away with second place overall! Their reward is marching trophies after so many decades of sitting on the sidelines.

So, all of you who attend the Pinecrest Patriot football games and support the athletics programs, don't forget about the hours and hours of rehearsal time put in by the Marching Patriots. During half time, stop and listen to their hard work. They are worthy of your respect and attention. The atmosphere of the games is amplified by their enthusiasm and musical contribution.

Congratulations to the Marching Patriots. You deserve to shine! I'm proud of you!

Jo Stone

Aberdeen