Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School senior Eli Zappala has earned a place among approximately 100 student musicians nationwide selected for the National FFA Band, an accomplishment that will put his talents and his school community on a national stage.

Zappala, who serves as Cato-Meridian’s FFA chapter president, will play baritone saxophone during the National FFA Convention & Expo, scheduled for Oct. 21–24 in Indianapolis. His selection is a point of pride for Cato-Meridian, reflecting his dedication and the support of the district’s music and agricultural education programs.

For Zappala, learning of his acceptance Aug. 18 marked a milestone after previous attempts to earn a place.

“This is my first year getting in, so I was really excited,” Zappala said.

His musical experience began with the alto saxophone in fifth grade. He started playing baritone saxophone in ninth grade and also plays trumpet at school. Applying for the National FFA Band required a recorded audition featuring prepared music and scales, along with information about his musical experience and an advisor recommendation.

Former FFA advisor Amber Bornt encouraged Zappala to pursue the opportunity over several years, supporting his previous applications and helping with this year’s submission before her departure.

Levi Dowd, Cato-Meridian’s grades 6–12 band director, worked with Zappala during twice-weekly lessons to prepare his audition. Zappala performed music from Bach’s cello suites, using the same challenging selection he had prepared for his All-State audition.

Dowd pointed to Zappala’s involvement in FFA and numerous other clubs and musical ensembles as examples of his commitment to learning. He said Zappala also uses his musical experience to support fellow students, often taking on a leadership role among his peers.

“It’s not just him doing it for himself,” Dowd said. “A lot of his participation is in service-type roles.”

Zappala’s involvement in music extends beyond instrumental performances. Choral Director Tyler Eighmey, who is beginning his third year working with Zappala, said the senior has participated in high school choir and school musicals, along with all-county and solo festivals. He has also been involved in show choir.

Eighmey described Zappala as “one of the hardest workers of our school,” pointing to the effort he puts into music while maintaining commitments to FFA and other school activities.

Zappala has been an FFA member since seventh grade. In addition to serving as chapter president, he is working toward his Empire Degree this year, according to Lindsey Gerstenslager, FFA advisor and teacher at the Junior-Senior High School.

His agricultural work continues outside the classroom. Through his Supervised Agricultural Experience, he raises rabbits and is expanding into raising guinea pigs. He also works regularly on his family’s farm.

Gerstenslager has helped Zappala navigate the National FFA Band’s application and acceptance requirements, a process involving student and advisor paperwork and coordination with the state FFA organization. She said his motivation carries through his many commitments and sets an example for younger members.

“His peers just really look up to him,” Gerstenslager said.

She has already seen seventh graders take notice of his involvement and express interest in wearing an FFA jacket themselves.

Zappala plans to arrive Oct. 17 to prepare with the ensemble before convention performances begin. As he takes the national stage, he will represent the school ensembles and FFA chapter where he has grown as a musician and student leader. The Cato-Meridian Central School District is proud to celebrate his achievement and congratulates him on earning this national honor.