The Carrollton Trojan Band’s Legacy of Excellence continues through our alumni as David Warren receives the 2014 Jim Jones Leadership Award, which is the highest award that can be received by a drum major presented by Drum Corps International.  Facebook is buzzing with the great news and I thought it would be appropriate to share the following posts from former Trojans who know David better than I do.

Will Pitts, who is one of our former drum majors who went on to lead the Phantom Regiment to a gold medal finish posted the following about David’s accomplishments:

“What an incredible week. DCI 2014 is one for the ages. I’ve never been so impressed from top to bottom. Open Class, World Class, Soundsport, Drumline Battle… everything was at a higher performance level than it’s ever been.

Congrats to the Blue Devils for Championship number 16, and for brass trophy number 24 (pretty crazy stat…next highest is Cadets with 7).

Congrats to the Bluecoats for an incredible season, my favorite show of the summer, and for a well-earned silver medal. 

Congrats to the Phantom Regiment for always making me proud to call you “home,” and for always being so full of class. SUTA

Honestly, I think the thing of which I am the most proud….would have to be 2014 Jim Jones Leadership Award Winner, David Warren. We knew watching you as a little kid that you were going to be something special. You’ve carved a path and made a mark of your own, and I can[‘t] wait to watch what you do for two more years. SUTA to you, sir.”

Former Trojan Band Director, Mr. Robert Carter had this to say congratulating David:

“CONGRATULATIONS to Carrollton’s own David Warren for being awarded the Jim Jones Leadership Trophy at DCI Finals last night!! I am so proud of him! There is no one more deserving. For someone who is conducting one of the premier musical organizations in the world, David is hard working, humble, modest, self-effacing, and friendly. Many lesser people would be arrogant and haughty. David is just the opposite. He is what every father hopes his son will be. Tim Warren and Karen Warren have raised three such sons, and that speaks volumes about them as parents. David, I well remember giving you your first baton on that band bus headed to Florida for the cruise. You were in about the 5th Grade, I believe. I remember how much you enjoyed conducting and music (tiny secret: David had his Dad build a small conductor’s podium in his room!), and it has been no surprise to me how far you have gone. You worked for it and you earned it. David, it is inspiring to me to see your commitment and passion to music, hard work, honesty, integrity, teamwork, generosity, helpfulness, friendliness, and compassion to others. At a tender young age, you are a fine man. You and Will Pitts remind me so much of each other. Please accept my heartfelt Congratulations to you, your family, and to my favorite Corps–the Phantom Regiment. I can’t wait to see you and hear about all the stories of this summer! Way to go, David!!!!”

Hearing such great accomplishments and pride from our organization makes me proud to be a Trojan.  Here’s to continuing the excellence that has been demonstrated before us and continuing the Legacy at Carrollton High School.  Let’s make the most of each day together and continue to bring pride and honor to our community.  Looking forward to the first day of school with everyone tomorrow!