Last Saturday, DCDD members gathered for the annual all-members meeting. Held each August, the meeting is an occasion to celebrate the organization, share a meal, receive updates on the health of the organization, and hold elections for the upcoming season’s Board of Directors.
The celebration included the presentation of two annual awards recognizing members whose contributions have strengthened the DCDD community:
The Michael Rutherford Spirit Award– Wei-Hong Thai
This award is given to the member who embodies the spirit of one of DCDD’s founding members, and nominations for the award come from their peers in DCDD. Since joining, Wei-Hong has been a volunteering force for good in the symphonic band, and recently completed his first season as a woodwind section leader with our Marching Band and Color Guard. Congrats Wei-Hong!
Wei-Hong Thai (center) is presented with the Micheal Rutherford Spirit Award by 2025’s recipient, Ken Kensky (left), alongside DCDD President Tim Schmeling (right)
DCDD Secretary Patrick O’Donnell (left) helps Jenna Goosen (right) hold the 2026 President’s Award, even though it’s really not that heavy
The President’s Award– Jenna Goosen
This award is selected by the DCDD President. Jenna has previously held a position on the DCDD board of directors. They had been instrumental in jump-starting social media content for the publicity committee. When deciding this last season to pursue graduate studies while also working full time, they made the difficult but responsible decision to step down from the Board. However, they still continued their volunteerism by managing the makeup and go-go teams at the last two DCDD Does Drag fundraisers and took the helm for logistics of Symphonic Band’s band camp. Congrats Jenna!
Election Results
In the elections for DCDD’s Board of Director, each position that was up for election this year has been filled. The Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 season is as follows:
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- President: Tim Schmeling
- Vice President: Taylor Hendriksma
- Treasurer: Kyle Ruempler
- Secretary: Patrick O’Donnel
- At-Large Directors (Community members): Will Crawford,* Kathryn Meyer
- At-Large Directors (DCDD members): Ben Dotson,* Kate Marshall,* Matthew Pack, Julie Hochsztein
- Past President: Larry Wile
*new to the Board of Directors
Each of these leaders has volunteered their time and talents to help guide DCDD. The extra time they have pledged to the organization is very valuable and appreciated.
DCDD’s 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Please note that Taylor will resume being more than a floating head once she returns from her vacation abroad
2026-2027 Budget Approved
Members in attendance at this year’s meeting voted to approve the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 financial year. Full meeting minutes and a copy of the approved budget will be distributed with the next Board meeting invitation. Member feedback and commentary will also be incorporated into the July meeting minutes at the beginning of the September Board meeting.
Here’s to Another Season!
DCDD extends its sincerest appreciation to outgoing Board members Sasha LaPonsa and Korey Rothman for their dedication and service to the organization.
As the summer comes to a close, DCDD looks forward to the months ahead. Symphonic Band and Jazz Band are back, with rehearsals resuming this past week. Winter Guard will begin rehearsals next month, and the Marching Band and Color Guard can take a well-earned breather after another successful season.
Thank you to everyone who continues to make DCDD a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving community.