My name is Marcos Cordova, I am a senior at Cibola High School. I have been an active member of the Cibola Band Program as well as National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. I have been part of the Cibola Band Program since Freshman Year, and I have been given the opportunity and honor of being Woodwind Captain, Clarinet Section Leader, and Publicist. While being in the program I have met some of the most inspirational and motivated people in my life. I have learned from many people in the program including Ronald Thurman, Dillon Hauke, Ashley Copeland, Lily Rich, and Jared Trueba. These people have taught me what it means to be a good leader and an even better person. I use what they taught me to teach and inspire younger classmen, in the program and outside the program. I’ve learned that everybody deserves someone who will listen to them and not judge them. This is one of the many skills I have worked on and shown by being a member of our band program. Nobody is alone in what they are going through. We all deserve to be heard, and just have someone listen to us no matter if we think it’s dumb or stupid. I always make sure that my fellow members and friends are doing fine, and if they need to talk I am here. That’s a skill that I think everybody needs. Especially this year, I’ve learned that it’s important to check up on each other and talk. Even just a simple smile or hello can help. If I notice someone is uncomfortable in a situation and needs some time alone, I check in on them. This only just happened recently where I pulled out one of my fellow Clarinet players from the group to check in on them and talk. She really needed space away from the crowd and someone to talk to and I was there for her. When it was time for our new leadership to be chosen in band, I went for the position of publicist as well as my other leadership positions. I wanted to show the world what our program is made of. I wanted to show who our amazing students are and showcase every accomplishment that they experienced. I did this by giving our band Instagram a new life. I posted almost everyday during band camp. I gave shout-outs to sections for having spirit. I made sure our community knew when we had a competition or performance. I also made sure to show everyone our accomplishments that we experienced during our season. This program is made up of some of the most determined kids in our community and I wanted to make sure that everyone saw what they can do.