HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Friday was a special day at Hanceville High School. Friends, family, students and other members of the community made their way to The Pride of Hanceville Marching Band’s practice field to celebrate Rodney Buckelew and name the field in his honor. Buckelew served as Hanceville’s Band Booster Club president before he was tragically killed in car accident in November of last year.
Buckelew dedicated much of his time to the Hanceville band program, and before unveiling a new banner and officially renaming the field, HHS Band Director Jesse James shared some words about Buckelew’s impact on the band and all the people who participate in it.
“This is a very, very special day to remember a very, very special person in all of our lives. Today we gather on this field not only as a community of musicians, students and friends, but as a family bound together by a shared passion, person and memories. Today we stand on ground that will be renamed for and forever touched by the spirit of someone who gave so much to us. Rodney wasn’t just a band booster; he was the cornerstone of our program. Rodney was always working behind the scenes to make sure our students had everything they needed to succeed, even going above and beyond the call of duty,” he said.
“Whether it was pulling a trailer, mowing and fertilizing this field at all hours of the night, pushing equipment at competitions and halftime, lighting fire batons and even being the band director for a game, he embodied service, support and love for all of our students. His belief in this band and these kids and our community was second to none. He constantly reminded us that nothing comes easy and that hard work and dedication will help you reach your goals. It’s hard to imagine going to a competition without hearing ‘Let’s go!’ or ‘I need a Sun Drop’ or ‘Where are your shoes? It’s your responsibility to bring your equipment’ or ‘No props next year’ because he hated every prop idea I gave him.
“No matter what, he loved this program and these kids, and we are all better for having Rodney Buckelew in our lives. So, it is with great love, respect and enduring gratitude that we dedicate this practice field in honor of Rodney Buckelew. From this day forward this will be known as the Rodney Buckelew Practice Field. A place not just for rehearsing, but for memories, building relationships and making wonderful music. Let this be a place where students are reminded to give your heart to something bigger than yourself. Let it be a place where we never forget that the power of one person can change the course of so many lives through kindness, hard work and persistence. Rodney, we thank you for all you did for us, for each life you touched and for always being the example. We love you and this field is for you. We promise to keep it mowed and lined at all times like you wanted us to.”
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