Amid the spirited cheers of Friday night football and the vibrant sounds of marching bands, one dedicated volunteer’s passion for supporting local youth has earned her a well-deserved spotlight. Susie Green, the concessions chair for the NHS Eagle Pride Band Boosters, has been selected as the Niceville Good Neighbor of the Month for October, an honor sponsored by the Ryan Cabaniss Niceville State Farm Insurance Agency.
As an Eagle Pride alumnus herself and a band mom for over a decade, Green has poured her heart into the program that shaped her family. With three children who have marched in the ranks—her oldest graduating in 2023 from the Ruckel Band, her son currently a senior on the drumline, and her youngest daughter a sixth-grader in the Ruckel Band—Green’s involvement runs deep. She began volunteering in concessions during her eldest’s time and stepped up as chairperson in 2022.
Her role is no small feat. Green’s responsibilities encompass everything from putting together the menu and grocery shopping to restocking supplies, reorganizing the stand, cleaning equipment, counting inventory, filling ice bags, coordinating food orders, repairing gear, washing linens, purchasing essentials, keeping meticulous records, and creating signs. She’s even mastered unexpected skills, like cleaning a commercial ice machine. But the toughest part? Organizing volunteers, she admits with a laugh.
“It’s a big job, but I do it for the kids!” Green shared in a statement. Not only does the concession stand serve hundreds of football fans cheering on the Eagles, but it also generates crucial funds for the 200+-member Eagle Pride Marching Band. These proceeds cover instruments, music, equipment, buses for away games and competitions, and other essentials that keep the band performing as the soundtrack to those beloved Friday night lights. Green playfully reminds fans: “So, please, do not bring that bag of food into the stadium! Buy from concessions and support our band!”
Green credits the success to a village of helpers: dedicated parents who assist at varsity, JV, freshman, and even Ruckel games; a reliable group of Army volunteers who fill in gaps; and former band parents, grandparents, aunts, and friends who return for the camaraderie amid the chaos. “We have a good time through all the chaos! It takes a village and we use all the help we can get!”
Ryan Cabaniss, of the Ryan Cabaniss Niceville State Farm Insurance Agency, praised Green’s commitment. “We love being able to highlight people like Susie who have spent so much time making a positive difference in the community,” he said. The agency, known for its community-focused initiatives, presents the monthly award to recognize locals who embody the spirit of good neighborliness.
“Thank you so much for choosing me for this lovely award! Go Eagles!” Green exclaimed.
As Niceville celebrates its latest Good Neighbor, Green’s story serves as a reminder of the impact one person’s dedication can have on an entire community. For more on the award or to nominate someone, visit the Ryan Cabaniss State Farm Agency at nicevilleneighbor.com.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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