McKenna Blair

McKenna is a 2007 graduate of Lanphier High School and member of the National Honor Society, plays Eb alto horn in the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Band. She was awarded the John Philip Sousa award for excellence in musicianship and was chosen two consecutive years to play french horn in the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) festival at both the district and state levels. McKenna is a former member of the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony as well as an accomplished electric bassist in the praise band at Central Baptist Church. Not only does she play several instruments, but she also composes and sings her own original music.

During the past year she was one of ten winners chosen in the "This I Believe" contest sponsored by WUIS public radio and the Rotary Club, has volunteered over the past seven years at Lincoln's Home National Historical Site, and has been on several mission trips, including one to El Salvador where she helped to build housing for earthquake victims.

She currently works at Children's House Day Care and will attend Lincoln Land Community College this fall majoring in music and religion. Her future plans include attending UIS followed by seminary to become a music minister. Trooper Blair would like to thank her high school band teacher, Mr. Wil Adams, for inspiring and mentoring her in her music career.