It was refreshing to see new parent volunteers step up to the plate and fill a need. Fall Saturdays for Clarkston High School Marching Band students are spent practicing, preparing and competing for an invitation to the State Finals to be held this year at Ford Field in Detroit. The day begins early and ends well into the evening. Thank you parents Sherri Steed and Mary Jane Budrow, and others, for volunteering to organize hearty lunches and hot meals for the band. Your help has already made a difference. On Saturday, Oct. 7, the marching band traveled down to Livonia Franklin Invitational to compete in its first opportunity of the season. Not only did they earn first place in their Flight 1 division, they also placed first in marching and first in field competition! Congratulations to every single marching band student and to the parents who support the band by volunteering with their hearts.