Student to Join National Honor Band

Mika Stratton, 17, of Simi Valley will be playing her flute this summer in Europe as a member of the 1997 Spirit of America National Honor Band.

The Simi Valley High School junior, a member of the school’s band, earned the trip on the basis of several recommendations, including one from her band director, Larry Eliginer.

“It was just great,” she said about the news that she had been selected. “I’m really proud and honored.”

Honor band director George Naff said he expects to have about 175 members in the Spirit of America band this year. He said the application process is continuing and he expects to receive around 350 applications.

“She’s a delightful, delightful young lady,” Eliginer said, “and musically, very sound.”