The Crawfordsville High School Athenian Thunder drumline returned Wednesday from an unforgettable adventure in Klawock, Alaska, where students spent nearly a week performing in the community’s Fourth of July celebration, experiencing the culture of the Tlingit people and taking in scenery unlike anything they see in Indiana.
The drumline traveled to Klawock July 2-7 after the city invited the group to perform as a surprise during its America 250 Independence Day celebration. The opportunity came together through Klawock Police Chief Tom Kearns, whose son, Connor Kearns, graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 2026 and is a member of the drumline.
Students marched in the community’s Fourth of July parade and participated in the day’s
celebration, spending time with local residents, taking part in games and enjoying food from area vendors.
The group also explored Prince of Wales Island, where students learned about the history and culture of the Tlingit people, the Native community that makes up much of the island’s population. Along the way, they experienced Alaska’s mountains, forests and coastline, offering a sharp contrast to the landscapes of west-central Indiana.
Band Director Jonathon Tebbe said he felt honored to receive the invitation and grateful for the opportunity to share the experience with his students.
“I was deeply humbled and honored when Tom Kearns reached out about the idea of flying us to Klawock. Alaska has been on my bucket list for years and having the opportunity to take my students with me was truly amazing. The community was so welcoming. Thank you to the city of Klawock and everyone at home who made this possible.”
The community’s hospitality extended well beyond the Fourth of July festivities. Kayci Arnce and her family opened their home to the group during the visit, while Andrew and Chris Reynolds prepared breakfast and dinner each day.
Support from the city of Klawock, the Crawfordsville Band Boosters and a local donor made the trip affordable, allowing students to attend for $48 plus the cost of food in the airports.
For Connor Kearns, the trip became about much more than the destination.
“A large part of travel is the people you’re with, and there was no better group than this one to make this journey with than Athenian Thunder. The folks in Alaska showed us nothing but hospitality and kindness, and the entire trip was a great display of community. I am nothing but grateful for the experiences made and all that went into this. It was such an awesome adventure, and I can only hope Athenian Thunder gets more opportunities as cool as this in the future,” Kearns said.
Drumline member Maxximo Jacome-Huesca said the experience created lasting memories while bringing the group closer together. “I had an incredible time on the trip. It was one of the greatest bonding experiences I have ever had with a group. The views were also stunning and I enjoyed the travel.”
