DeGraff and Quincy community members came out in full support of the Riverside Business Professionals of America organization at the 2022 Riverfest community concert April 24, featuring Nashville singer-songwriter Matt Marinchick.
The BPA organization at Riverside has been competing at the national level for more than 10 years and this year is no exception, noted Lindsay Wyan, BPA co-adviser.
During May, 29 Pirates will attend the BPA National Leadership Conference in Dallas.
Students have been working over the past months with Riverbirch Farms owners Lisa and Scott Stewart to plan the first-ever Riverfest community concert starring Marinchick.
“We are just thrilled when we see all that the kids are capable of,” Mr. and Mrs. Stewart said. “Sometimes people don’t give young people enough credit. The kids had an incredibly strong work ethic and teamwork skills. We were glad to be able to help the students fund their trip to Dallas.”
“I thought that our first-ever Riverfest was a huge success. I was a little worried about the turnout, but it ended up being a great time,” said senior Kara Kauffman, WDEQ 91.7 FM radio station manager.
“All of our planning and hard work paid off and I really hope this is the start of a tradition for Riverside BPA. But, big thanks to Mrs. Wyan and Mrs. Weadock for helping turn our ideas into reality, and to Matt for putting on such a great performance.”
Marinchick, who performs two shows a day in Nashville, took a time out 16 hours off to make the drive back and forth to DeGraff for the concert.
“Matt agreed to help our grant turn into reality more than two years ago,” said Michelle Weadock, the grant writer, Media Arts Program instructor and BPA co-adviser.
“After covid changed our plans multiple times, I was unsure if Marinchick would be able to get away as his performance schedule had really picked up. But that is the kind of guy Matt is —he made a promise and he followed through — perhaps teaching the kids one of the best lessons of all.”
The BPA chapter was awarded a $500 grant from the Logan County Education Foundation for a songwriting session, Weadock said. The Media Arts students were all invited to attend this session prior to the community concert.
“Riverfest was the highlight of my year so far,” said Marinchick. “The songwriting workshop was such a unique experience because I had never brainstormed ideas for a song with a whole classroom before, and I think we got a really good start on a great meaningful song.
“I’m excited to finish it up.”
Marinchick and the Media Arts students will continue to work virtually, according to Weadock.
The performer also was impressed with the venue and the students.
“The entire event was such a well-run and smooth operation. I could tell that everyone involved was passionate about the cause and I would like to thank everyone who came out to support, for hanging out, allowing me to get to know you, and listening to my music. This was truly a memorable day for me and I’m happy that it was a great fundraising success.”
The event helped the organization raise thousands of dollars for their trip. Wyan, who handles the finances along with student treasurer Chase Davidson, said the success of the event will help rebuild the account for next year.
The BPA national attendees will be in Dallas from May 3-8. Many will fly for the first time as the group hopes to bring back to Riverside some national awards.
The Pirates will be exploring the Lone Star State as well as competing against more than 5,000 students from across the country, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.
Other Riverfest sponsors included: Miller Graphics, Saucy Sows, Matthew Snow & Snow Speed Shop, Tim Woods White Tail Properties, Richard & Carol Hemphill, Mad River Title Agency
Smail Trucking, LLC, Eichholtz, Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Davidson Dairy, KMS Heating and Cooling, LLC, Comer Insurance Agency, Inc., Gregory & Julie Wick, Superior Plus Energy Services, Neer’s Sand & Gravel, The Village Chameleon Salon, Ascend Consulting, Heritage Golf Club, Bangs Salon/Jim & Sherry Henry, The King & Leeper Family, World Class Plastics, The Osborne Family, Mike and Patti Shaffer, Connie Beatty and Mr. Knox.