The Colleton County High School “Band of Blue” hosted its annual 2026 Band Awards Ceremony. The evening honored the program’s hard-working student musicians, dedicated staff, booster members, and the graduating Class of 2026 as they celebrated a 50 plus year legacy of musical and performance excellence.
The 2026 season was marked by historic achievements on both the marching field and concert stage. Under the creative theme “The Pursuit of Happiness,” the Band of Blue captured the hearts of audiences across the region earning Grand Champion Honors at the Coastal Empire Classic in Effingham, Georgia placed 10th in the Class 4A State Finals, extending an extraordinary, unbroken tradition of being a State Finalist every year since 1976. The Big Blue Jazz Band earned a Superior rating at JPA, while the Concert Band received straight Superior ratings with Distinction at CPA. Winter Percussion captured a 1st-place round finish, earning a gold medal and finishing 2nd overall in Scholastic A in the Carolina Winter Ensembles Association (CWEA) with Both JV and Varsity Winter Guard celebrated highly successful seasons of growth.
The highlight of the evening featured the presentation of major awards recognizing leadership, musicianship, and dedication. Director Tom Finigan told this year’s senior class......“Live your life so that when you are gone, you will have made a difference. Seniors, I hope we have made a difference in your lives, because you have certainly made a difference in ours. Class of 2026, once you graduate as a member of the Band of Blue, you are always a member, and you are always welcome.”
The John Philip Sousa Award, the highest national honor recognized in leading band programs across the country, awarded for exceptional musicianship and unwavering commitment, went Kiana Hill and Brantley Padgett.
Director’s Award for Excellence, presented to seniors who serve as the true heart and soul of the program through outstanding devotion was awarded to Emma Bailey and Caroline Herndon.
The William T. Young Jr. “True Blue” Award, honoring those who go above and beyond, exemplifying the very best effort and dedication to the program, was awarded to Deshaad Fishburne, Charley Crabb, Nevaeh Smith, and Jaden Garvin.
Patrick Gilmore Instrumentalist Award, a new national tradition for the program, honoring high school students for standout achievement, leadership, and service., was presented to Robert Carter Idol and Sheldon Canaday.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, presented to the most outstanding member of the Big Blue Jazz Band was awarded to Morgan Stewart.
The Band of Blue Booster Club, led by President Shelby Padgett, presented vital financial scholarships to deserving graduating seniors to aid their future endeavors. Recipients were Danette Chubb Memorial Big Blue Scholarship was presented to Morgan Stewart, presented alongside a special tribute to longtime “True Blue” supporter Mr. Tony Chubb and family. The Thanks Love Memorial Scholarship (In Memory of Delaine Ford) was presented to Abigail Perry.
The “Mary Anne Bunton” Good Friend Award, recognizing individuals and organizations making monumental contributions to the band program, the 2026 honors were awarded to Bailey and Sons Transport, Jamie Carroll and Blue Moon Trucking, Smoak and Hudson Law Firm, and Becky Roy.
The program formally welcomed its rising 8th-grade marchers, celebrated its 48 newly inducted rookies, and presented coveted band letters to first, second, third, and fourth-year recipients.
The evening concluded with a passing of the torch to the upcoming season’s student leadership team. Taking the podium as the 2026–2027 Drum Majors will be Camila Cruz Perez, Heidi Beiring, and Taylor Scott.
In his closing remarks, the Tom Finigan expressed profound gratitude to the parents, booster volunteers, support staff, and co-directors Mr. Infinger, Mrs. Meshach, and Mr. Blackwood, saying, “This past year will be remembered for outstanding performances, meaningful growth, and a strong sense of unity. This is more than a program—it is a family. To our seniors, you have made a lasting difference in our lives, and you leave behind an incredible legacy. As always, WE ARE BIG BLUE!”
