By Brian Hews
NBC4 Southern California will be tracking the journey of the Cerritos High School Wind Symphony Orchestra on their upcoming trip to perform at the London Olympic Games, thanks to the help of the Los Cerritos Community Newspaper.
Several weeks ago, Brian Hews, LCCN owner/publisher, and Randy Economy, reporter with LCCN, reached out to Robert Kovacik, anchor and reporter for NBC4 Southern California, about covering the Cerritos High School Symphony’s “journey of a lifetime” to London during the station’s coverage of the Olympic Games.
“Talk about a great human interest story. This one is amazing!” said Hews. “We had to get this information in front of our friend Robert over at NBC4. These kids have worked their hearts out to prepare for this event.”
NBC is the official network for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Kovacik will be representing NBC4 Southern California in London, bringing viewers both local and global Olympic highlights.
Kovacik, who is one of Southern California’s most visible and accomplished television news journalists, and a multiple Emmy and Golden Mike Award winner, visited Cerritos High School last week, along with a field producer, to begin filming interview segments with some of the orchestra members and their Director/Conductor, Tim Trost.
“This experience is the thrill of a lifetime, “said Trost. “Being covered on NBC4 news live during our performance at the Olympics is a dream comes true.”
Kovacik told those gathered during his recent visit to Cerritos High that NBC4 is hoping to have the Cerritos Orchestra perform live on NBC4 on “Today in LA” when they are across the pond. “We want everyone back home to see you perform in London,” Kovacik said.
“Wow! We are going to be on NBC4 during the Olympics! This is totally amazing,” said Cerritos High School Principal, Janet Peterson.
Kovacik was greeted at Cerritos High School by Olympia Chen, ABC School Board President; Celia Spitzer, School Board Member; Mary Sieu, Superintendent, along with several parents. Spitzer presented Kovacik with a special commemorative lapel pin of the ABCUSD logo for him to wear in London.
“We want ABCUSD to be with you in spirit in London,” Spitzer told Kovacik.
Watch NBC4 this Friday at 5 and 6 p.m. to see the segment.
In addition, the Wind Symphony will perform a Bon Voyage Concert this Wednesday July 11th at 7pm in the Sierra Room of the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 and can be bought at the door. Proceeds will be used to cover the cost of sending these very talented students on their trip of a lifetime.