Semper Fi!!!!!

We are so very proud. Tonight was Michael's Senior Awards Night. He received the Semper Fidelis Award. Here's a little background:

The "Semper Fidelis" Award

High school musicians embody many virtues that we, as Marines, admire. By and large, a high school musician is someone who gives 110 percent throughout the year. Not only does the young musician have to maintain a high degree of proficiency with an instrument through practice and rehearsal, but he or she has to maintain passing grades and devote time to the extracurricular needs of the band or orchestra. In doing so, the high school musician displays traits that Marines consider essential to being a good leader...endurance, knowledge, unselfishness, dependability, enthusiasm and loyalty. To help high schools promote recognition of achievements and sacrifices their musicians make, the Marine Corps provides the “Semper Fidelis Music Award,” a tradition that dates back to the days of John Philip Sousa and his role in making the Marine Corps Band the premiere musical unit it is today — The President’s Own. The award need not be geared toward the top-notch instrumentalist who may be receiving music scholarships, but can be used to recognize your competent musician who has shown yearly improvement, dedication and enthusiasm.

And here are a few a Kodak moments!

The "Semper Fidelis" Award
For Musical Excellence
Presented to
Michael Chafatelli
by the United States Marines Youth Foundation, Inc.
and the Marine Corps League
In Recognition of Diligence,
Dedication and Musical Excellence as a Performing
High School Bandsman and Soloist
on this 21st day of May, 2008

WTG Mikey!!! We love you!!

See ya next time!