Hamilton Heights Middle and High School Band Director Mark Snelson has been named the Husky Hero for the month of January. He has been inspiring the love of music and developing future leaders and musicians at Heights since 2019.
“Words cannot begin to describe how honored I feel to receive this award,” Snelson said upon being recognized. “It was certainly unexpected. The fact that a student went out of their way to write such heartfelt words about our program, the value music holds in their lives, and the impact of our relationship is overwhelming. It is something you always hope for but never expect.”
“We hope that each kid in our program learns to value music in a deep and meaningful way,” Snelson said. “We want them to know what it’s like to work hard and find success. But most importantly, we have the unique opportunity to teach our students for up to eight years. This gives us a chance to facilitate important character qualities that will serve them well in our class, in school, and throughout life. THAT IS the BEST part of our job!”
Three Hamilton Heights Middle School eighth grader students submitted nominations for Snelson because of his impact as a person and an educator.
“He really does care for all the kids he teaches, and he definitely has a positive impact on a lot of them,” Grace Knoll said. “He also makes sure he teaches us very well and makes sure to always help us when we can’t figure it out. He believes in us saying words that encourage us to be the best we can in life and in band.”
Maddy Lustig agrees.
“Mr. Snelson has had a massive impact on who I am today, and how I want to pursue my future,” Lustig explained. “He has created such an awesome environment and has given us so many amazing opportunities – it has truly impacted my love for music. He has been so supportive and always encourages his students to be the best they can be. Without Mr. Snelson, I’m not sure that I would have ever been given the opportunities to one day become an amazing musician.”
Enzo Cerroni said Mr. Snelson is a hero because he helped him grow and learn how to play his instrument.
“This has made me love to play in band. He makes the class fun, and I always am excited to be in his class,” Cerroni said.
“Mr. Snelson has done a great job of expanding our band offerings and preparing our students for quality performances and experiences,” HHMS Principal Bret Bailey said. “He’s deeply committed to our students and their success and puts in the time and effort to make sure they are always ready to do their best.”
“Mark has been instrumental (pun intended) in putting Hamilton Heights on the competitive map with our Marching Band and our Indoor Percussion Team,” HHHS Principal Jarrod Mason said. “I appreciate his dedication to our students and our school community. These two student programs have been welcome additions to HHHS, and it has given our best and brightest musicians a way to showcase their talents while competing at a very high level.”
Do you know a Husky Hero? Nomination forms and information about this special recognition program for Hamilton Heights employees are available at bit.ly/hhschuskyhero. The Husky Hero Recognition program is made possible through the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation in partnership with Craig and Amber Bowen (FC Tucker). #hhedfoundation