Massaponax Marching Panther Pride

Thank you for your support, Matt Kreitz, Massaponax Stadium Announcer!

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

February 2, 2026

Members of the Spotsylvania County School Board,

You probably know me as a football public address announcer, but what you may not know is that I spent all four years of high school at Massaponax as a proud member of the Marching Panther Pride. Marching band did not just connect me to my school; it shaped my future, ultimately helping lead me to become the 2019 National High School Sports P.A. Announcer of the Year. That journey began on a marching band field right here in Spotsylvania County.

I am writing to respectfully urge the School Board to provide additional funding to the five high school marching bands in our county. These programs are among the most influential extracurricular opportunities our students have, but they are also among the most expensive. Annual band fees often exceed those of most sports, covering music licensing, drill design, instrument repair, transportation, staff stipends, student scholarships, and other essential operational costs. Too often, talented students are unable to participate simply because their families cannot afford it.

More than 20 years after graduating, some of the closest friendships still in my life today are with people I marched beside in high school. Marching band teaches discipline, leadership, accountability, time management, teamwork, and resilience. It builds school pride, keeps students engaged and connected to school, supports mental well-being, and provides a positive identity for students who may not otherwise have one. It gives them a place where they belong, where every student has a role, and where they learn to work together toward excellence. These are qualities that last a lifetime and help shape responsible, community-minded adults.

Investing in marching band is investing in hundreds of students across all five of our high schools—students who will become leaders, professionals, and proud representatives of Spotsylvania County. Additional funding will ensure access, equity, and opportunity so that every student who wants to participate can do so without additional financial hardship.

I respectfully ask that you prioritize increased marching band funding in this year’s budget, and I thank you for your continued commitment to supporting programs that build character, community, and excellence throughout Spotsylvania County.

With Pride,

Matt Kreitz
Massaponax High School Class of 2003
Ponax Stadium Announcer (Fall 2003 – Present)

Our marching band students rally behind every athlete and are the biggest and loudest supporters of all things Massaponax. Let's rally behind them to advocate for funding for our program!

We need all of our Marching Panther Pride students, parents and fans to show up tomorrow evening, February 2nd at 5:30pm at the school board office. Wear your MP2 gear and show shirts, make signs and sign up to speak to your school board members. We are asking for help to cover the basic costs of marching band and reduce the cost of marching band dues. Keep it positive and let the county know just what this program means to you and your kids!

Sign up to speak here:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeMexJUei7Emx.../viewform

Hello MP2 faithful! In case you missed the parent meeting last evening, we need your presence at the upcoming school board meeting on January 26, 2026 at 5:30pm in the school board office. We are trying to secure $25000 in yearly funding for each of the marching bands in the county. We need a huge show of support from our students, parents, alumni and everyone who loves our marching bands. Wear your MP2 gear and show shirts, and make signs to show your Pride!
We would love if our parents and students would speak to the school board about what marching band has meant to them. Let's make them understand what we all know...that marching band kids are dedicated, talented and deserving.
There is a google form link embedded in the following document to speak at the meeting as well as one with a link to the school board representative contact page. Please feel free to contact your school board representatives to tell them to fund our Spotsy marching bands!
If you have any questions feel free to reach out!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKnLXSYJpQhRyM0GnSqYHfCiuyQHPCxvclGrxsJtP96SWAmQ/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawPVKm5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeV9g6iL-U4OlniHHvRvLBSvvXlThT1H87-4Uxs04pXpZmtp3qXJRvc_CMjCI_aem_Ug-SyS9Zh3uRF40VLIX9eg

Spotsylvania Marching Bands Unite On January 12, 2026, representatives from all Spotsy marching bands came together to plead with our School Board to assist our programs with additional funding. The harsh reality is that our program is costly (roughly $60K per school), despite every effort to minimize expenses and fundraise with int...

The Spotsylvania County high school marching bands went before the school board to request funding for these award winning programs to make band more affordable and accessible to all students. Please share to show the school board that Spotsy loves their marching bands!!

Band parents before Spotsylvania School Board The Spotsylvania County School Board is being asked to increase funding for high school band programs, with parents saying that participation places a signif...

Kashif is part of our Low Brass Section and has plans to go to JMU and march with the Royal Marching Dukes! With Pride!

Kendric, our fifth senior, has enjoyed the MP2 trips, especially Disney and wants to see where this music thing can take him! With Pride!

Our fourth senior is Ryleigh! She has enjoyed her 4 years in band, the friends she has made, and the places she has visited! With Pride!

Our third Senior is flute/piccolo player, Lexi Phillips. Good luck keeping music in your future career! With Pride!

Our second MP2 Senior is AJ. Good Luck when JMU comes calling...WITH PRIDE!

The first of our Senior MP2 Shoutouts! Our senior Drum Major! With Pride!

October MBPA Meeting, Tuesday October 21st
Board @ 6:30
General Meeting @ 7:30
Topic: VBODA
Hospitality Needs Attached!!!!!

Here is a link to some great footage of the Mills Godwin Competition from Justin Rice.

2025 Mills Godwin Invitational Massaponax High School at the 2025 Mills Godwin Invitational