“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.”
The members of the Smoky Hill High School Marching Band counted aloud as they practiced their marching technique. They moved precisely, forward and backward, hitting yard lines painted on an imaginary football field in the school’s south parking lot. This is how their rehearsal begins every Tuesday and Thursday during the fall marching season. But on Sept. 19, before bandmembers moved on to their music warm-ups, Band Director Zak Ruffert called them together and introduced a surprise guest – Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Christopher Smith.
“Here in the Cherry Creek School District, we have five Core Values,” Smith told the group. “One of those Core Values that’s near and dear to my heart is Relationships, and I’m here to recognize a couple of your bandmates who are examples of what it means to have true relationships and to push one another and sacrifice for one another.”
At that, a cheer went up from the band students, because they knew who the superintendent was referring to. For the past three years, seniors Nolan Dauer and Donovan Light have been the band’s dynamic duo. Friends since middle school, the two teamed up when Light, who plays the trumpet, decided he wanted to be in the marching band. Light was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect that affects his lower extremities. It’s difficult for him to walk, much less march while playing a trumpet.
“We were looking for ways for Donovan to participate fully in our marching band,” Band Director Zak Ruffert recalled. “I didn’t want to put him in the ‘pit’ or front ensemble playing simple percussion parts or playing his instrument parked on the sideline.
“That’s when Nolan volunteered to be his ‘marching band buddy’ and come to every single rehearsal and band event and be his ‘legs’ so to speak,” Ruffert continued. “Nolan’s dedication has allowed Donavan to fully participate in every aspect of the marching band.”
Both young men say their friendship and the trust they have in each other has made their partnership successful, and they both enjoy being part of the Hill Regiment.
“I love learning the drill and how accepting and caring the community of our band is, Dauer said.
“We are all one big happy family,” Light added. “Everyone has each other's back, and no one is ever left out of anything.”
Ruffert is proud that his band is a caring and inclusive community, and that Light and Dauer are such positive examples of partnership and perseverance. That’s why he nominated them for the CCSD Heros Award, which recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
“These are two incredible kids who both represent the best of what we hope to see in our schools and our community,” Ruffert said.
If you know of someone who goes above and beyond normal expectations to help or support Cherry Creek Schools students, staff, or schools, nominate them for the CCSD Hero award here.
Posted 9/25/2023.
