Drummers With Attitude Advisor Honored As Hero

Provided by the Bristol Township School District:

A Bristol Township School District teacher was honored recently.

Kevin Travers, an Armstrong Middle School special education teacher and advisor to Drummers with Attitude, was honored at the 2016 Teacher As Hero Award ceremony last Saturday at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia. Mr. Travers is one of ten teachers who received the Teacher As Hero Award, a National Liberty Museum program that honors outstanding educators in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

The annual event recognizes educators who go above and beyond the call of duty to help their students become creative and courageous leaders, community members and Heroes of Liberty.

When he founded the bucket-drumming group, Mr. Travers envisioned it as a small mentoring program for students, including those in his classes, who felt disconnected. Mr. Travers chose drumming because as a young boy growing up in challenging circumstances, drumming gave him focus and helped him form friendships. His goal was to offer a similar opportunity to students who felt marginalized, but all students are welcome to participate.

The group is widely recognized throughout the region and performs at college sports events and in other venues. On May 29, 2016, the group will take the field during half-time at the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse D1 & D3 Championships at Talen Energy Stadium in Philadelphia.

An avid drummer since the age of eight, Mr. Travers continues to write the music the group performs.

Mr. Travers’ supportive and caring attitude has helped to foster connections among students while encouraging them to have fun and make exciting music.