Wylie High School’s “That Wylie Band” traveled to San Antonio to compete in the Bands of America Competition last week, finishing among the top twenty of more than eighty bands. Ranking this high in one of the most difficult competitions in the United States is a staggeringly impressive achievement.The Wylie East High School marching band competed in the coveted UIL State Marching Band Championships. The “Pride of the East” made us proud, finishing in the top ten 5A bands in Texas. Experiencing our kids compete and achieve is almost as exciting for me as it is for them.
I am proud of their achievements but even more proud of their character. Why? A few short years ago, Wylie East struggled to compete in these events. Their determination resulted in fantastic growth and this trip to the State Competition. Wylie kids never give up. OUR KIDS DON’T QUIT. This is GRIT.
That Wylie Band had the option to head back home after their own competition or to stay and support Wylie East. That Wylie Band chose to stay and get home much later in the evening.
The memory of Wylie East emerging from the tunnel and taking the field for competition will never be forgotten. I fought back tears when I heard the roar from WHS kids in support of their friends across town. It was a genuine outpouring of support and love. It was the Wylie Way.
The Second Mountain,The Quest for a Moral Life is a book about character by David Brooks that classifies people into two groups, rippers and weavers.
Rippers criticize without making an effort to change things. They act independently rather than collaborate positively with others.
Weavers are positive contributors that bring people together to develop positive, productive ongoing connections that will continue to build community. Weavers root for friends, feed their neighbor and care for others in times of need.
The world needs more weavers. Weavers are the voice of unity, empathy and engagement. Weavers are the magnifying glass of good.
The communities that makeup Wylie ISD are amazingly thoughtful and kind. We feed the hungry, comfort those who struggle and protect those in need. Our kids see this, and it makes them want to weave this kindness into their actions too. They see achievement as much more than a trophy; achievement includes experiencing and providing the values of caring and giving to each other.
Our Wylie kids are weavers and these stories are only a few examples that make me proud. They do not care and give by accident. They are following your example. Thank you to our educators and parents who model weaving and help grow these kids’ character in such a positive way. On your watch, this is a better place. Caring and giving IS the Wylie Way!
Thanks in advance for donating food items to your campuses, our community needs us!
