For the fourth year in a row, my wife and I had the privilege of watching the Marching Panthers at state. They performed great under adverse conditions.
However, for the fourth year in a row we are disgusted with the competition being dominated by the private schools.
Classical Academy, who won it, had over 150 in their band as every student is required to be in it.
D’Evelyn, which usually wins it, was second. It is the same in athletics as well in Colorado. How is it fair for kids who are recruited and are on scholarship to compete against the public schools like Montezuma-Cortez High School?
Our kids practiced every day at 7 a.m. with Ms. Zdanowski and her one assistant. Classical has seven coaches and assistants. Same for D’Evelyn.
People in Colorado need to pressure the Colorado High School Athletic Association for private schools to hold their own competition in athletics and the performing arts.
We look forward to going back the next four years. I hope CHSAA wakes up.
Great job, Marching Panthers!
Don Story
Dolores