(9-27-26) Parkway Local Schools has voted to rename its school auditorium the Richard Sherrick Auditorium. The school board approved the naming at its September 2026 meeting, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026.
The honor recognizes Sherrick’s extraordinary 35-year career directing Parkway’s band and choir.
ChatGPT Assisted
Richard A. Sherrick was a major figure in the history of the Parkway High School band program in Rockford, Ohio.
- Sherrick came to Parkway in 1971, shortly after college and his U.S. Army service.
- He directed the Parkway band and choir for roughly 35 years, retiring in 2007 after a long career at the school.
- Under his leadership, Parkway qualified for the OMEA state band competition every year for 34 consecutive years as reported in 2007.
- He received the 2007 Ohio Music Educator of the Year award from the Ohio Music Education Association.
- Parkway’s new auditorium was proposed to be named the Richard A. Sherrick Auditorium in his honor when he retired.
- Sherrick later became director of the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band, a position he was still holding in 2026.
Midwest Clinic 2004 presentation by Rodney Bennett, Mohamad Schuman and Richard Sherrick titled “Dealing with the Challenges of a Small School Band Program,” which gives considerable detail about the Parkway music program under Sherrick.
