Some stories come full circle, and this is one we’ll always cherish.

Jackson Van Matre first joined the Booker T. Washington High School Band family as a student in the summer of 2012 and graduated with the Class of 2016. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University and teaching in Alabama, he returned home in the summer of 2023 as our Assistant Band Director.

Over the past few years, “Mr. V” has invested his heart in our students and our program, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the impact he’s made.

Today, we congratulate Mr. V on his engagement to his wonderful fiancée, Paige (she said yes! ), and on his new position as Director of Bands at Wetumpka High School in Alabama. While we’re heartbroken to see him go, we know this incredible opportunity is well deserved, and we can’t wait to see all he accomplishes.

Mr. V, thank you for everything you’ve given to Booker T – first as a student, then as a teacher. We love you, we’re proud of you, and you’ll always have a home with the Wildcat Band family. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.