My Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School co-band directos, Dale Duensing and J.P. Roebke, never gave up on me, even though musically and instrumentally, I was very much a late bloomer. Through the awkward tween years and trying to figure out what I wanted to accomplish as a high school student, they were encouraging, provided me with multiple leadership opportunities (saw something in me I didn't yet see in myself) and always made me feel like I belonged in the band community. They were a great team and instilled the importance of dedication and hard work.