Emily Austin, graduating senior, is the 2018 recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award at Faith West Academy. 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. This is the third year the award has been presented to a graduating senior at Faith West Academy. Emily has placed First Division Solos each year in State Competition for both piano and clarinet. “She conducted the band during our warmups and has exhibited good leadership skills,” said Mrs. Kim Maxwell, FWA Band Director. Emily served as the president of the FWA Band, member of the chapel band, and was the drum major for the 36-member marching band. Not only an accomplished musician, Emily is a member of the Speech and Debate team, Book Club, and NHS. Emily plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall to study dietetics and psychology.