Standout Spartan: Laurel Kauffman '30

Congratulations to Laurel Kauffman ’30, who auditioned for and made the 2026 District One Middle School Concert Band! The Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors' Association's District One is composed of schools in the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico and Hanover. Laurel will perform in concert at Highland Springs High School on Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m.

Laurel, who has been playing the flute for two years, was required to play a piece selected by the judges during her audition. She was also required to play three randomly selected scales and a chromatic scale. 

Admittedly nervous during the audition, she said, “I could not believe that I was chosen!” 

In addition to her musical talent, Laurel shares her love of writing as chief editor for the Middle School newspaper and as a member of the Creative Writing Club. The best part of being a Spartan? “The opportunities and the creative community I get to be part of. Since starting at Steward in kindergarten, I’ve had many opportunities to express myself through the arts.”