Celebrating 50 Years of Service

by Kellean Gale

A Celebration honoring Sandra Smith’s 50 years of service to Floyd County was held on May 7th, at pm at First United Methodist Church in Salem. The All Floyd County Alumni sang the Floyd High School Alma Mater and the Hallelujah Chorus. Organist Michael Bower, Director of Music at St. Agnes Cathedral, New York, accompanied the Alumni and provided an organ concert.  

Michael L. Bower, a former student of Sandra Smith, is an international concert organist and the conductor and organist at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, N.Y. He is a native of Floyd, Virginia, and a student of Sandra Rector Smith, who was his first organ teacher and gave him his early exposure to great choral masters. 

Spearheading the benefit was Naomi VanCleave.  Melissa Gallimore McDaniel and Shelia Lusk, and Terry Hubbard coordinated the reception. Vicki Sowers conducted the alumni choir. The two women are Melissa Gallimore McDaniel ( red hair) and Sheila Gallimore Lusk (black hair). Both former students and part of the organization team for this event. 

$6 427 has been collected for the Scholarship fund.   Donations are still being accepted. Please make checks to Floyd County Cares and designate them for the Sandra Smith Music Scholar Ship fund.   E. Main Street Suite 108 Floyd VA.