The Volunteer of the Year dinner was held on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Country Inn and Suites.
Jeanne Christensen is the Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound band director. Jeanne is paid for her work as a teacher at MMHS but, those of us who know her know that there is no possible way for the district to pay her for the entirety of the hours she spends with the band. This is her life project and the students are her children. Many of her past students can be seen helping her continue on her search for excellence, from coaches to mentors to those living outside the area but still coming back to help with the tournament or just to visit with Mrs. C. Her students truly love her and are proud of the band she has created and the accolades that come Mira Mesa’s way because of Sapphire Sound. They are proud to be part of the Sapphire Sound history. She has grown the band from 80+ musicians and color guard to over 200 students who make the well-oiled machine that is the Sapphire Sound. In her 25 years at the helm she has made MMHS and Mira Mesa well known as a community that supports the arts and has an outstanding music program in our schools. She has helped to set up a program that supports young musicians from the onset by providing them with opportunities to play with the big kids at the high school. Her perseverance in making Sapphire Sound the best in the district encourages students in elementary and middle school to excellence so that they too can be a part of Sapphire Sound. Jeanne has taken Sapphire Sound to see, and be seen, by the world… The Olympics in 2000, Australia, Hawaii, New York City, Breckenridge, Washington D.C., and many other amazing places.
Pictures from the Volunteer of the Year Dinner by Ted Brengel.
