CARROLLTON, GA — A new fund, dedicated to supporting the CHS Trojan band, has been established with the CCS Education Foundation in memory of Dr. Ernest McClendon, a devoted local champion of education and the arts.
Dr. McClendon dedicated his career to serving students and the Carrollton community. The Dr. Ernest McClendon Band Fund will carry on his legacy and passion for educating the next generation and advancing the arts at Carrollton City Schools.
As the leader of Carrollton High School’s band and chorus programs for 14 years, McClendon lived out his principles. He was a graduate of LaGrange College, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and Georgia State University, demonstrating a commitment to education and belief that investing in lifelong learning was valuable.
He carried out his passion for education later in his career by serving as the junior high principal and director of public relations for the school system. Expanding his work into the community, McClendon also directed the Carrollton Youth Orchestra.
An advocate for music enriching the lives of others, McClendon had a vision to strengthen foundational skills through a fund within the school system. Bringing this goal to life, this fund will provide resources and experiences to grow and strengthen student participation in band.
CCS Director of Bands Dr. Chris Carr envisions that the new fund will impact band students for generations to come through skills development and investment in student leadership training.
“I am grateful that the Ernest McClendon Band Fund will provide unique opportunities for students to grow and accelerate their leadership potential through participation in summer camps or private instruction,” said Dr. Carr. “These student leaders influence their peers in a positive way when they bring back the lessons learned to share with others. Investing in their education now shapes the band program and sets them up to compete for music scholarships in the future.”
By providing these meaningful resources and experiences for students, the foundation hopes that community support of this fund will continue to expand its impact for future generations.
“Dr. McClendon’s commitment to education and the arts lives on through this legacy fund,” said Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation Executive Director Brooke Mobley. “It is a lasting reminder of how one educator’s passion and generosity can continue opening doors for generations to come.”
To learn more or to support this fund, visit www.carrolltoncityschools.net/community/foundation.
