Georgia Bridgemen Staff
Andrea Bowen graduated from the University of Georgia in 2002 with degrees in Psychology (B.S.) and Criminal Justice (B.A). She moved to Valdosta to attend graduate school where she received an M.Ed. and an Ed.S in Counseling from Valdosta State University. As a graduate student, Andrea conducted research on the influence of extra curriculars on academic achievement. She started her counseling career with Lowndes County Schools in 2004. In addition to counseling and working with the Bridgmen, she currently teaches Psychology at Valdosta Technical College. Andrea studied dance at Waycross Dance and Gymnastics, Broadway Dance Center in NY, and at UGA. She has been trained in Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. While in college, she taught dance and worked with dance teams all over Georgia.
Andrea enjoys the creative challenge that comes with producing choreography that both works with the drill and complements the music of the Bridgemen. She says the best part of her job is empowering young ladies through dance and physical fitness.
Austin
Merriman is the 2008 Equipment Manager for the Georgia Bridgemen. He
is a 1998 graduate of LHS and marched tuba all four years. As a Senior
Bridgemen,
Austin served as Tuba Section Leader and also received the prestigious
John Philip Sousa Band Award. After high school, he received a diploma
in Industrial Electrical Technology from Valdosta Technical College.
The 2008-2009 season will be his 15th year of service to the Bridgemen.
Austin is married to Sarah Price Merriman, Color Guard Instructor.
Sarah
Price Merriman is the 2008 Color Guard Instructor for the Georgia
Bridgemen. She is a 2002 graduate of LHS and was in chorus and color
guard all four years of high school. Currently, Sarah is attending
VSU where she is majoring in Middle Grade Education with an emphasis
in science. She loves to choreograph flag-work and considers this
opportunity a great honor. Sarah is married to Austin Merriman, Equipment
Manager.
Allison Leonard is the Uniform Manager for the Georgia Bridgemen for the 2008 season, and is in her second year working with the band. With the Uniform Committee, she
is responsible for fitting each
student with the hat, white dinner jacket, bow tie, vests,
and shoes that make up the Georgia Bridgemen uniform. Allison graduated from Hardaway High and Columbus State University. She is married to J. R. Leonard and is mother of Mary, 15 (sophomore danceline), Trey, 11, and Pate, 9.
A Lowndes High graduate and Georgia Bridgemen alumni, Vito currently attends Valdosta State University. where he is majoring in music education. He is a Low Brass Instructor for the Georgia Bridgemen.
Charles Todd, son of Director Charles E. Todd, II and Wanda Todd is a Lowndes High graduate and member of the Georgia Bridgemen. Charles graduated Bethune-Cookman University and is a percusion instructor with the Georgia Bridgemen.
Tiffany, daughter of Director Charles E. Todd, II and Wanda Todd, graduated Lowndes High in 2006 and was a color guard member and drum major for the Georgia Bridgemen. She attends Bethune-Cookman University and is a color guard instructor for the Georgia Bridgemen.
