Morgantown, KY — Opportunities that shape a student’s future often begin with a single moment of courage: the courage to try, to commit, and to grow. For four Butler County High School band students, that moment came on stage at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKYPAC), where they performed as members of the highly competitive Bowling Green Youth Orchestra (BGYO). Their achievement reflects not only musical excellence, but also the heart of Butler County Schools’ Portrait of a Learner: a vision centered on preparing students with the skills, character, and confidence to thrive in any path they choose.

BCHS students Mattie Clark, Jackson Kimbler, Evan Henderson, and Willow Romans earned their seats in BGYO, an audition-based ensemble partnered with both Western Kentucky University and SKYPAC. The program provides talented young musicians from across the region with opportunities to perform at a level that stretches their abilities, broadens their horizons, and deepens their commitment to the arts. Earning placement in this group is a significant accomplishment: “BGYO is an audition-based group that gives local student musicians an opportunity some otherwise would not have. It is an honor for our band students to make the competitive group, as most of the group’s brass, woodwind, and percussion is made up of our local area’s best musicians. It's an honor that we have four students in this group!”

Superintendent Robert Tuck highlighted the importance of celebrating the arts and the dedication of the BCHS band program, noting the pride the district feels in these students and their directors as they represent Butler County on a regional stage.

This story aligns beautifully with the Portrait of a Learner pillar of Character, clearly illustrating resilience, dedication, integrity, and personal growth, which are all hallmarks of the Character pillar. From preparing for a rigorous audition, to balancing rehearsals with school responsibilities, to stepping onto a professional stage with confidence, these students demonstrated what it means to commit fully to a long-term goal.

For BCHS Director of Bands Justus Adams, the performance held special meaning. Adams, who performed in BGYO himself as a high school student, shared that helping his own students reach this milestone has been personally fulfilling. “I always told myself that, when I became a band director, I would send students to this group. It’s been awesome to make something like this happen for my students and give Butler County the recognition it deserves.”

Adams and Assistant Director Jason Ausbrooks also expressed gratitude to the many people who contribute to the success of the BCHS band program: “From both me and Mr. Ausbrooks, we want to thank our great band students for all the hard work they put in, the district and administration for all their support, the parents and boosters for their ongoing financial and logistical support, and our families for their constant love and patience as we navigate our extended and irregular work hours.”

Their words highlight the collaborative spirit that fuels student achievement, serving as a reminder that behind every success story stands a community committed to lifting students higher.

The performance at SKYPAC also reflects the district’s broader vision for student-centered learning. Experiences like BGYO cultivate perseverance, creativity, and intrinsic motivation, which are all skills that empower students long after they leave the stage. When young people are encouraged to push boundaries, explore their passions, and pursue excellence, they become not only better musicians, but stronger learners and leaders.

Butler County Schools is proud to celebrate Clark, Kimbler, Henderson, and Romans for their hard work and well-earned accomplishment. Their performance is a testament to what is possible when talent meets dedication and when a community invests in the arts as a powerful pathway for student growth.

As Superintendent Tuck noted, the district looks forward to continuing to support these opportunities that help students shine both inside and outside the classroom.

This achievement is another example of what it means to be a Butler County learner: confident, committed, responsible, and ready for the future.

One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.