Prolonged applause and many kudos to the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce for making the perfect choice of Carl Jenkins for grand marshal of the 54th annual Fall Foliage Parade on Oct. 4.
Mr. Jenkins, who laid down his baton this year after well over 30 years of service to Drury High School as teacher and band leader, was during that time always at the heart of the parade, no matter where in its lineup he and his ever-changing student troops marched.
He was also a champion of maintaining the tradition of giving out awards to recognize the best high school marching bands - which have always been a parade highlight, no matter how many professional bands come along or how many Shriners do wheelies on motor carts.
Beyond the parade, Mr. Jenkins helped build the band program at Drury into one that students are proud to be a part of and that other schools rightfully envy. The school band has traveled far and wide but always stayed true to its home - it's been a fixture at Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies every year and has participated in countless special events. Mr. Jenkins always found it hard to say no.
He also made a concerted effort to get recognition for the talented musicians who consistently emerged during his tenure. He constantly lobbied for newspaper articles and photographs featuring them - and supplied all the background material, most often to the point of writing the articles himself.
For his efforts, in and out of the classroom, he was awarded
Being named grand marshal may pale in comparison, but it is a fine honor and a fitting tribute to a maestro whose passion for his work and years of dedicated service to Drury and the North Berkshire region will be hard for anyone ever to match.
Bravo, Mr. Jenkins.
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