The Sousa Award is the pinnacle of achievement in a high school band.
Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award® recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster.
The award winners throughout the history of the Plainfield (Central) Band Program are detailed below to the best of our knowledge. If you know of other winners that are not listed or have a photo of the plaque, please reach out to Chris Vanderwall, Director of Bands, to confirm the award winner(s) and have them added to this registry.
2022 –
2021 – Lillian Pankhurst
2020 – Adrianna Giacona
2019 – Ian Freeman
2018 – Dan Schmitt
2017 – David Patush
2016 – Sam Cramer
2015 – Jennifer Klimek
2014 – Luke Worland
2013 – Skylar Lipman
2012 – Brandon Sheppard
2011 – Isabel Gloria
2010 – Bileshia Sproling
2009 – Matthew Berg
2008 – Joey Fontanetta
2007 – T.J. Ryan
2006 – Josh Lopez
2005 – Luke Eichelberger & Joy Vandewerken
2004 – Tony Sadlon
2003 – Stacey Peterik
2002 – Chris Vanderwall
2001 – Stephanie Silosky (San Roman)
2000 –
1999 – Andrew Burkemper & Laura Nitz (Bonuchi)
1998 – Annette Gato (McCammon)
1997 – Sarah Sipll & Sean Dougherty
1996 – Meghan Benson
1995 – Nicole Ambrogio
1994 – Thomas Svec
1993 – Caroline Remus & Brian Duchek
1992 – Jackie Bily
1991 – Gretchin Fritz