Update regarding the Naming of the CSDHS Band Room!
Dear Friends, Supporters, and fellow CSD Marching Band Alumni,
Thank you! More than 700 of you have signed this petition to name the Cambridge-South Dorchester High School band room the Robert W. Batson, Sr. Band Room. Every signature, share, and story you posted shows how deeply Mr. Batson shaped the lives of his students and our community.
Here is where things stand:
- The formal request has been delivered. I sent a formal letter to the Superintendent and the Dorchester County Board of Education. It included a live link to this petition, so the Board can see the support behind this request.
- It was received in good order. I have been told that the letter and request arrived and are being handled.
- The Board will vote in November. The Assistant Superintendent has told me that the Board will vote on the naming at its November Board Meeting. The vote does not require public comment, so it is a ceremonial step to formally approve the naming. We don't need to attend this meeting; we've already done this work in a big way!
What comes next:
- Once the Board approves, our next step is to raise funds. In my letter, I shared that the alumni of the CSDHS Band Program would more than gladly raise the funds for an appropriate plaque for the band room, and for a public dedication ceremony worthy of Mr. Batson’s legacy, where his former students, colleagues, family, and community can gather to celebrate him together. Details on how you can contribute will be shared here soon.
CALLING ALL CSD MARCHING BAND ALUMNI: WE ARE WALKING IN THE PARADE!
Mr. Robert W. Batson, Sr. is this year’s Grand Marshal, and his band is coming home to march behind him one more time! We invite you to join us as a walking (non-musical) unit.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Parade begins at 5:00 PM (line-up by 4:00 PM)
Downtown Cambridge, starting at Long Wharf
Whether you marched in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, or 2000s, we want YOU walking with us. No instrument needed, just your Batson band pride and your alumni sweatshirt! This year’s theme is “Hard Candy Christmas,” so come festive. We are permitted to hand out candy along the route.
REGISTER TO MARCH: https://tinyurl.com/MarchwithBatson
Please sign up by Friday, November 13, so we can confirm our numbers with the Parade Committee.
SHARE YOUR STORY
The registration form also asks how music and Mr. Batson shaped your life. We’d love to hear your favorite memory and what he means to you, and we plan to share these stories with Mr. Batson himself. Even if you can’t march, please fill out the form and tell your story!
GET YOUR ALUMNI SWEATSHIRT
Order here: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/csdalumnibandsweatshirt
Order early so your sweatshirt arrives before the parade.
Please stay tuned, and thank you again for standing with us to honor a man who gave so much to so many of us.
With gratitude,
Dr. William L. Lake, Jr. | Class of 2002 CSDHS