Kirk Wilson, a 1968 graduate of Carlisle High School, is the recipient of the 2023-24 Carlisle High School Band Distinguished Alumnus Award. He joined the high school marching band, under the direction of Mr. Clyde Barr, during the 1964-65 school year as a tenor saxophonist, changing from clarinet, to accommodate the instrumentation needs of the band. Kirk also was a member of the Concert Band, Galaxies Jazz Band, Pit Band for school musicals, and the Cumberland County Band and PMEA District Band.

After graduating from high school, Kirk became the band’s official announcer. He traveled to Europe with the band in 1970 and 1974 reporting on the band’s activities for the Carlisle Sentinel and WHYL Radio News.

Kirk graduated from Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA, with a degree in Journalism and Communications. He also holds a BA with Honors in Organizational Management from Eastern University in St. David’s, PA. Kirk spent ten years in radio and television news reporting. He was also the special assistant in the State House of Representatives for three years, and the State Senate for seven years. In addition, Kirk worked in the gubernatorial administrations of Dick Thornburgh, Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, and Ed Rendell. 

Kirk gave back to the Carlisle community serving as Mayor of Carlisle for twenty-six years. During this time, his focus was on public safety and local economic development. He was active with the Carlisle Fire Department, the Cumberland County Office of Emergency Management, and was among the first 9-1-1 dispatchers (part-time) in the county. 

As a certified American Red Cross volunteer, Kirk deployed on two national disasters. He was on the first Red Cross Team to arrive in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and also traveled from Houston to Galveston, Texas, offering relief service following Hurricane
Ike in 2008. 

Today, Kirk shares his time between the community’s youth and military veterans. He is also in his fourth year as a substitute teacher at Carlisle High School, and is the Chairman of the Carlisle Joint Veterans Council.

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