RING OF CHAMPIONS
Proof of the SV Brigades Championship Rings. Balfour also makes the championship rings for the NY Yankees and Boston Celtics.

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Indiana Marching.com

This Article may appear in the
Springs Valley Herald and
Bedford Times-Mail

By: Kathy D. Kalb
svh@bluemarble.net
Springs Valley Herald

FRENCH LICK, Ind. - Members of the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade, students and staff, will soon all be wearing state championship rings, decided the school board at Monday’s meeting. Members approved the purchase at a cost of $15,000 from the school’s casino funds.

Band director Luke Aylsworth expressed his, the staff’s and students’ appreciation for the ring purchase. ”We understand this is a big commitment,” he said. “I’m sure they appreciate your support. All students will be able to have [a ring] without having to worry about the finances. Thank you very much, and I’m sure they thank you, as well.”

Aylsworth and Brigade members and staff were also recognized for their achievement.

“Support and excitement has been created throughout the community [the this state championship],” stated superintendent Todd Pritchett. “I want to thank you and obviously those working with you and the students for bringing us that type of excitement and more importantly what you’re doing for the kids on a regular basis in teaching the basic skills that they are going to need to be successful in life.

"They’ve got to work. They’ve got to show up and do what’s expected of them and then take it to the next level. I think it is a fine example of the traits that you’ve instilled in the students as you bring this type of honor and prestige to the program.”

Aylsworth said, “I want to thank the board, not only this board but the previous boards in the last 10 years and all the administrators who led to this success. It has been more than a one-year, one-season event. It’s been a 10-year process to get ourselves in a position to  be this successful, and I really attribute it to the work the board has done over the years and the administrators. We would really like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be that successful.

“We couldn’t have done it without your support. We really are trying to push toward being a state leader and a national leader in our department, and it’s nice to have some kind of evidence that is working. I share with you this congratulations because it is something you have done, as well. We appreciate all your support.

Board member Eddie Kellams said he appreciates the leadership Aylsworth has shown, and member Larry Kalb agreed with Aylsworth that it takes work over the years to build a championship team. He told the band director, “It doesn’t happen in a year. You have to have dedication like you have to make that come true.”