From our January 11, 2001, edition.

Baker receives award 

AUSTIN – The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is proud to announce that Todd Baker is a winner of the UIL-Southwestern Bell Sponsor Excellence Award.

Baker was one of 16 winners selected by a panel of judges in the areas of music, athletics, and academics from almost 100 nominations submitted by school principals and superintendents across the state.

Baker has been a sponsor of the marching band, concert band, and solo and ensemble for ten years.  During his seven years at Clarendon, the band program has grown three-fold to include over half the student population at Clarendon High School. 

Under his direction, the Bronco Band placed third at the 1999 UIL Area Marching Band Contest and has received numerous Sweepstakes trophies and Superior ratings at UIL competitions.

Baker’s success can be attributed to his philosophy that “every student grows, the program grows, and more success is achieved as a result of winning the competition in our band hall – not by beating other bands.”

The award, now in its tenth year, was created to identify and recognize outstanding sponsors who enable students to develop and refine their extracurricular talents to the highest degree possible within the educational system.

“The benefits of interscholastic competition and student performance are only possible through the hard work and dedication of sponsors, coaches, and directors like these,” said UIL Director Bill Farney.  “On behalf of the UIL, I commend these outstanding educators.”

Each winner will receive $1,000 and a symbolic keepsake from Southwestern Bell in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the pursuit of educational excellence through interscholastic competition.  Southwestern Bell joins the UIL in its efforts to strengthen and promote the role of extracurricular activities in Texas.  The quality of the Sponsor Excellence Award, along with all other UIL programs, is enhanced through the continued support of Southwestern Bell.