Poland Seminary Senior Douglas Stoudt Jr. Selected for Prestigious OMEA All-State Band

POLAND, Ohio — Poland Seminary High School senior Douglas Stoudt Jr. has been selected to perform as a trumpet player in the 2025–2026 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Band. This honor places him among the most accomplished high school musicians in the state of Ohio.

The OMEA All-State Band is one of the highest achievements available to student musicians in Ohio. Each year, only a select group of students earn their place through a rigorous and highly competitive audition process. Those selected for the ensemble perform under the direction of nationally recognized conductors and alongside the state’s most talented peers.

In addition to this statewide recognition, Douglas was also accepted into the OMEA Northeast Regional Orchestra (NERO), where he will serve as Principal Trumpet.

Beyond music, Douglas is deeply involved in clubs/activities at Poland Seminary High School. He has served as Student Council President, competes with Quiz Bowl, and participates in several other clubs and activities, making him a standout leader both in and out of the classroom.

Douglas reflected on his achievement with deep gratitude and passion for music.

"I am incredibly honored and truly thankful... The beauty of music is rooted in its ability to bring people together alongside its universality, diversity, and expressivity. It is deeply meaningful to me for this opportunity to represent my family, friends, teachers, school, and community, and I am immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me up to this point."

His band directors echoed the pride of the district:

"I am so proud that Douglas was selected to participate in this prestigious event.  His hard work and dedication have paid off.  Douglas has shown a degree of professionalism and an attention to detail rarely seen in a high school musician.  These qualities have been evident from the start of his musical career all the way back to his elementary school days," said Mr. Jeff Hvizdos, PSHS Band Director.

"Douglas is a great young musician, and we are delighted that he will be representing the Poland Band at such a prestigious event this winter.  Douglas joins a long line of outstanding musicians from Poland that goes back many generations, and we are proud to see him carry on that legacy through this achievement," said Mr. Jeff Penney, PSHS Band Director.

Looking ahead, Douglas explained that this recognition has only strengthened his commitment to his craft.

"Acceptance into these prestigious ensembles only strengthens my desire to share the power of music and emanate its radiant capacity to the rest of the world. Overall, I excitedly look forward to collaborating with talented musicians from across the state and hope that my journey may also yield inspiration to others."

Douglas’s achievements reflect not only his own dedication but also the strength of the Poland Local Schools music program, which continues to inspire and prepare students for opportunities at the very highest level. The district congratulates Douglas on his outstanding achievement.