City Council Honors Arcadia High Students

Two groups of students were honored before a packed crowd of proud parents and flashing cameras during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

First were the members of the World Percussion Ensemble (WPE) headed by Director Kevin Sherrill. The WPE Is made up of 30 advanced-level percussion students who perform at marching percussion festivals in the spring semester annually. The music is performed using only percussion instruments which are accompanied by marching routines set to the music.

The WPE compete in the World Division, which is the most advanced level in the nation. The ensemble was honored for winning two gold medals this year. The first was during the Southern California Percussion Alliance Championships, held on April 9.

“These students have dedicated hours of practice and performance time to this group and have achieved an incredibly high level of performance quality,” said Mayor Gary Kovacic during the ceremony in which the students were given Certificates of Achievement.

Sherrill gave credit to the kids and the community.

“I am amazingly proud of these kids, they did an incredible job representing our school and we are really fortunate to have the support of our school administration and the community,” Sherrill said.  

Council also honored Arcadia High student leaders and Associated Student Body President Jon Ma for their volunteer efforts in raising more than $300,000 as part of the for the Arcadia Education Foundation (AEF). Thanks in part to the students' efforts, .

The presentation was part of Mayor Kovacic’s “Believe in Arcadia Volunteer Program,” a monthly event awarding recognition to those who help the community through volunteerism. The student leaders were the first to be honored with this award.

“We need to recognize that many of our all-star volunteers, the ones who have been contributing their time and talents for many years, always there, always willing to pitch in and help, are not getting any younger. It is time for the rest of Arcadia to get involved in our community,” the mayor said.