ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONAL RESOLUTION
25-286
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
November 12, 2024
To recognize and honor the accomplishments of Ballou Senior High School music teacher and
University of the District of Columbia alum, Darrell ‘Dunnie’ Watson.
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson is a native Washingtonian;
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the
University of the District of Columbia in 1995;
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson is a music teacher at Ballou Senior High School in Ward 8;
WHEREAS, in 2004, under the leadership of Mr. Watson, the Ballou High School Band,
known as the Marching Knights, gained national attention when they competed in the Home
Depot “Battle of the Bands” in Carson, California;
WHEREAS, out of 110 bands that entered the preliminary rounds, the Ballou Marching
Knights were one of only eight selected for the final competition;
WHEREAS, in 2005, Mr. Watson directed the band toward achieving another prestigious
milestone by receiving an invitation to perform in the 55th Presidential Inauguration Parade;
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson and his Ballou Marching Knights have also performed for
former President William Clinton and the Ambassador of Taipei, China;
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson has had a music career that included performances with notable
gospel artists such as Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorothy Norwood, Murna Summers,
and Albertina Walker;
WHEREAS, Mr. Watson was honored with receiving the Cleveland L. Dennard
Distinguished Service Award from the University of the District of Columbia.
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution be cited as the “Darrell Watson Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Darrell Watson for
his dedication and achievements as a musician and educator at Ballou Senior High School.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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