In December, our dear friend and band teacher, Bill Wilkinson went to be with Jesus.  It was heartbreaking for all that knew him.  Not having his jovial big personality around is leaving a hole in our community.  Bill started at Summit Classical Academy in August of this year.  His time with the students during just one semester of instruction left a lasting impression on our young musicians.  Under the guidance of Mr. Wilkinson, our students grew in their knowledge and skills at a rapid rate.  It was a beautiful combination of a man who, first and foremost loved the Lord and was blessed with the God-given gift of music and a group of students who respected their teacher’s expertise and were eager to learn.  The result was the beginning of something magnificently musical at SCA. 

As much as we delighted in Bill, we soon found out that he delighted greatly in SCA as well.  He shared his love of the school with his family.  It turns out that not only were we greatly impacted by him but he was also impacted by us.  It makes my heart so happy that the love and admiration was great and mutual.  He started our band program from nothing but a few students that had a desire to love God through music.  If you were able to attend the Christmas concert, you know that Bill and the band students of SCA were a winning team.  

Bill’s family understood his feelings for Summit and wanted to help support our emerging band program to keep Bill’s legacy going. For Bill’s memorial service, his family asked for donations to the Wilkinson Band Fund. They also graciously gifted our school with instruments and music from Bill’s personal collection. We are deeply humbled by the love Bill’s family has shown to our young school.  This mutual affection has blossomed into a growing relationship with Bill’s family.

While Bill was only at SCA for a short period of time, Mrs. Houghton and I have a long history with him.  Not only was he a great colleague but he also taught several of our children in band.  My daughter was also in the Jazz Band with him and Mrs. Houghton’s son was not only a part of  the Jazz Band but he was also in the All-Stars Band that Bill led with talented student musicians in the area.  Our children are all adults now, but Bill imprinted something special on all of us.  

Please continue to pray for the Wilkinson Family as they lost their lovable family patriarch and they miss him deeply.  Praise God that Bill Wilkinson was a strong believer who shared his love of Jesus with others.  Lord, help us all to follow this dear man’s example.  

With great affection, 

Teresa Fraser