Westlake’s Mighty Marching Lions Roar to National Glory
- A Season-Long Journey to the Top
Under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the echoes of drums and brass filling one of the nation’s premier sports venues, the Westlake High School Mighty Marching Lions cemented their place in history. In December 2025, the Lions were crowned the ESPN Red Lobster Band of the Year in the High School Division, a milestone achievement not only for the band program, but for the entire Westlake community and South Fulton region.
Director of Westlake Bands Cedric Young believes the championship performance capped a season defined by discipline, growth, and collective belief. Approximately 120 student musicians made up the marching band unit that earned the title, marking the first ESPN Band of the Year championship distinction in Westlake’s history.
“This recognition reinforces Westlake’s standing because it reflects excellence measured across multiple performance categories, not just one strong moment,” Young says. “More than anything, it solidified for our students that hard work and determination pay off.”
The metro-Atlanta high school division of the competition was only introduced in 2024, making the Lions’ victory an early and defining benchmark in the category’s expansion.
Earning consideration for this honor is the result of a process that spans an entire season, with bands evaluated by a selection committee of marching band experts. Weekly rankings are based on performances across multiple categories, emphasizing consistency and growth over time. The Lions’ performances were adjudicated across a comprehensive set of criteria: General Effect, Musicality, Pictures, Drill & Design, Percussion, and Drum Major performance.
Preparation for that level of excellence began early in July with band camp and continued through the fall as band members refined their skills. Once the school year began, the band typically rehearsed four days a week for nearly three hours.
“I focus on clear expectations, consistent routines, and strong accountability,” Young affirms. “Students know what the standard is, what it sounds like, and what it looks like. Rehearsals are goal-driven, and we measure progress in a way that students can understand and own.”
Westlake Principal Miranda Freeman has witnessed first-hand the dedication it takes for the Marching Lions to consistently set the bar for other bands, and a quality like that is something she believes trickles down from the top.
“[Mr. Young] is exceptional with our students and consistently brings out their best, leading them to perform at an outstanding level,” Freeman says. “Their perseverance, discipline, and high-level performances are a direct reflection of their band director’s leadership and commitment to excellence.”
Westlake’s Band of the Year also included submitting halftime show performance videos during the fall—one in October and another in late November. As the season progressed, the field narrowed to top contenders, with finalists announced in early December.
The process culminated in an invitation to perform during championship week at Mercedes-Benz Stadium alongside the nation’s top Division I and Division II HBCU bands, combining high-stakes competition with national visibility. Getting to that moment didn’t come without opportunities to overcome certain obstacles while doubling down on fundamentals.
“The biggest challenge in the weeks leading up to that day was maintaining consistency under pressure—keeping students fresh, focused, and improving while expectations rise,” Young reveals. “We overcame it by staying disciplined with fundamentals and leaning on student leadership so the standard stayed consistent.”
For the Mighty Marching Lions, the 2025 Band of the Year title is more than a first. It’s a statement: Westlake has arrived, and its roar is being heard nationwide.
“This group is special because they are true team players,” Young boasts. “They work hard, they are coachable, they are resilient, and they are smart. They respond to high expectations with maturity, and they take pride in improving every week—not just performing, but growing.”
