Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on May 8, 2026.
MARTINSBURG — Martinsburg High School Bulldog Marching Band earned the 2026 Sweepstakes Award after receiving Overall First Place Band and High Auxiliary/Color Guard during the 99th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade on May 2. This was the second year in a row the band earned this award. The drum major also received second place, earning top recognition at the event.
Caroline Smelko on clarinet, Mikayla Loper on flute and piccolo and Emari Olson on the snare drum were just three of the students who participated in the parade. This award reflects the band’s hard work throughout the year. Smelko said that everyone’s worked well together, so seeing that work pay off means a lot. Having these opportunities have helped them all grow and develop important life skills.
“I think I’ve learned a lot about communication with people, discipline and just being a part of something bigger, because in a band program, it’s not just you,” Smelko said. “It’s everyone that makes up the band. And I think that’s a life skill that a lot of people don’t learn until later in life and just to be taught by such an amazing band director who does a good job really makes a difference.”
Band Director Casie Rogers Adams added that she attended the parade growing up, but when she was in high school, the Martinsburg High School band didn’t participate in the parade. She knew she wanted to come back as the band director to give students more experiences and opportunities to grow and just have fun playing music.
Olson said that one of the main things he’s learned through band is that it takes a lot of work to succeed. When he first joined after auditioning for the snare drum, Olson didn’t realize how many hours of practice it took to perform as a team. Loper added that it also takes a lot of communication. When someone is out of step, it’s important to know how to talk to each other and correct their mistakes.
However, the students’ favorite part of the parade was seeing all the people who were excited to see them play. Adams said that several people told them that the band looked amazing and had the best performance of the day. Adams is proud of her students and hopes this experience will give them a sense of pride in what they do.
“I hope they take away a sense of pride in knowing that they are fulfilling the great tradition the Martinsburg High School band program holds within the community,” Adams said. “And for younger kids that are watching, the middle schoolers that will be here next year, I want to give them a sense of belonging and a home, knowing that, ‘Hey, I’m going to be a part of an award-winning group,’ and giving them the sense of pride to want to be a part of this.”
Adams said the band will receive a check for around $10,000 for the sweepstakes, which will go toward getting a bigger band trailer. The current trailer has become too small for the band, so having a bigger one will help them continue to travel and participate in events like the Apple Blossom Parade.