Ashley Kontnier
On Sunday, Aug. 17, Hays CISD hosted a ceremony in recognition of Gerald “Jerry” and Cheryl Babbitt as they retired from serving as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Music Region 18 co-executive secretaries after 50 years. The Hays CISD Performing Arts Center was also dedicated to Jerry, who previously served as the Hays High School director of bands and music from 1985 to 2002.
Colleagues, former band students, parents of former band students and community members were in attendance for the celebration. Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright spoke to the audience about the Babbitts’ accomplishments and their time at Hays CISD and with UIL Region 18. Retired Dahlstrom Middle School band director Leroy Gerdes, retired Hays High School choir director Nancy Cavendish, UIL Music Region 26 executive secretary Jim Van Zandt and others also shared anecdotes about the Babbitts.
