Mater Academy’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble recently finished first place and won the gold rating at the World Strides Heritage Festival in Washington D.C. Following the competition, both groups won the Adjudicator Award for receiving a score of 92 or higher. In addition, the program received the Sweepstakes Award for scoring combined scores that totaled 200 points, and the Jazz Ensemble received the Outstanding Band Group for its performance. Students John McWhorter and Andy Gutierrez from the Jazz Ensemble received the Maestro Award for their individual performances.