Solomon is a Major Presence at AHS

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist

Kay Solomon stands out in a crowd, both literally and figuratively. At over 6 feet tall, the statuesque Athens High School senior is easy to spot, especially when she’s marching in front of the Pride of the Hornets Band as drum major. But what most sets her apart is the esteem in which she is held by friends and teachers alike.

“She is truly outstanding as a student and a young person,” said AHS Band Director Rusty Lay. “Her positive attitude and dedication to the band has meant a great deal to me and to all of those who come in contact with her. Kay is an extraordinary young person.”

Solomon, a second-year drum major, is also first-chair flute and has advanced to the UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble competition.

“Band is my life,” she said, fully earnest and smiling broadly. “Mrs. Rachel Scotchmer introduced me to music — making my own music — during my sixth-grade year, and I fell in love. It’s my happy place. I feel like music is a completely different language. I’ve always said there are three things in this world that everyone can understand: music, math and love. … All three work for me.”

While music may be where Solomon feels most at home, it is certainly not her only activity. In addition to her band duties, she is also an excellent student, having been chosen recently as student of the month for October and as a “Leader of Tomorrow.” In addition, she is Key Club treasurer and president of the AHS Student Council.

Her family does not measure success by grades or achievements, she said — at least not primarily. “The emphasis in our family is on character,” she said. “My parents like to say, ‘Remember you’re a Solomon.’ Grades are important, but character and how you treat other people and yourself is more important than a number.”

The 17-year-old laughingly describes her parents, John Mark and Lynette, as “bleeding hearts.” Her father is a counselor who works with veterans, and her mother is an ordained minister who works as a hospice chaplain. “My parents help me a lot,” she said.

Solomon has been accepted into Oklahoma State University, where she plans to follow a course of study that will lead her toward a career in music therapy.

“Music is a way of expressing your feelings or what you want to say without having to use words,” she said. “I want to be around it the rest of my life.”