by Megan Caldwell

The Elks Lodge has selected Brandon Paul Coursen as October Teenager of the Month. Brandon is the son of Ken and Carey Coursen.

Brandon has been very involved in extracurricular activities throughout his school years. He has been on the math team for three years, debate for one year, Spanish Society for four years, choir for three years, a tech intern for four years and band for four years. His leadership roles involve French horn section leader, pitched percussion section leader and middle school music intern.

Brandon has been awarded superior and excellent ratings for piano, French horn and voice at the district and state music festivals. He has been accepted in the Missouri All District Honor Choir. He has also received superior ratings in performance and sight reading through the Southwest Missouri Baptist Convention Keyboard Festival.

Brandon said he is deeply honored to be nominated for this title. In his essay Brandon said, “As a doctor studies all his life to treat and cure the pain of others,  I wish that my future career in music will be just as consequential.”

After high school, Brandon plans on attending Evangel University where he will major in piano performance.