Blair’s Sankofa Show Celebrates Black History, and More Good News

Montgomery Blair High School celebrated Black History Month with its Sankofa production, a tradition for 15 years.

Sankofa is an original musical and theatrical experience created by Blair student artists and directors from all cultural backgrounds. This year’s theme was “Black Resistance and Triumph” with the show taking place in a Black-owned barbershop and hair salon. The show featured several instrumental and vocal musical performances, a spoken word performance and a dance step routine.

MCPS Mellophone Player Joins All-Star Band

Phil Barnes, coordinator of instrumental music and theatre, has been involved with the Baltimore Ravens marching band since 2010 as a musician, drum major, music arranger and instructional staff member. Since 2022, he has been the mellophone section leader.

This past season, he was one of 11 members of the 120-piece band who traveled to London with the Ravens for their game against the Tennessee Titans. The group spent six days overseas doing community appearances and promoting the Ravens and the NFL to the greater London area.

Earlier this month, he was selected to the inaugural Combined Leagues All-Star Band by the Professional Sports Music Association (PSMA). The PSMA works to advocate and advance the cause for music ensembles that are affiliated with professional teams in all sports. Members selected to the All-Star Band represent the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, National Hockey League and the National Women’s Soccer League.

Hundreds Pick Up Tips on College at HBCU Fair

Hundreds of students packed the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair earlier this month to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs and organizations. Students in Grades 8–12 picked up information on admissions, financial aid, testing and majors.

The event also featured a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, help with completing the FAFSA form and scholarship information. Three workshops were recorded and the links to them are below:

For student-athletes interested in playing at the collegiate level

For students who are the first in their families to attend college

Financial aid planning for middle school families

MCPS In The News

Montgomery County High School Athlete of the Week: Baba Oladotun

Former MCPS Teacher Wins Electric Car, Honoring His Dedication to High School Automotive Education