At the Lions International Convention Parade held on this past July 4 in Chicago, the Mississippi Lions All-State Band won first place. This is makes 25 times the young Mississippians have won this high honor, and the fifth time in a row which is unprecedented in Lions All-State Band history.

The Mississippi high school students are selected from all over the state, undergoing two, and sometimes three, tryouts. Usually about 900 students try out with only 144 being selected. They are outstanding musicians, and rank high scholastically. Everywhere they go, they receive compliments for their skills and also for their manners and behavior. They are one of Mississippi’s greatest public relations assets.

It is an honor to be selected and the selection helps the students in their quest to obtain musical scholarships to one of the state’s universities. Locals who went to Chicago and participated in the parade were Jennifer Mitchell of Picayune, daughter of George B. and Cindy Mitchell. She plays the trombone in the Picayune Memorial High School band.

Dr. and Mrs. James L. Schrock also marched with the Mississippi delegation. He is the president of the evening Lion’s Club here in Picayune.

“It is difficult to explain the pride we feel for Mississippi and Mississippians when we are in the parade with our band,” Schrock said.

The current band director and manager of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band is Lion Jeff Cannon of Terry, Ms.

“It is a tribute to the Lions that they have maintained the Lions All-State Band for 57 years. Most people will tell you that the Lions All-State Band is one of the reasons bands in the State are of such high quality,” Cannon said.