02/02/2026
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)
