The recipient of the 2022-2023 Carlisle High School Band Distinguished Alumnus Award is Mr. Phil George, Carlisle High School Class of 2002. Phil, born and raised in Carlisle, began playing saxophone in the fourth grade at North Dickinson Elementary School and, following in his father’s (Dale George) footsteps, went on to play tenor saxophone in the marching band all four years of high school. Phil made many life-long friendships and learned many life-long lessons during his years in the marching band, which he attributes to a lot of hard work, long days, working as a ‘team’, and the incredible marching band staff, led by Dave Rohrer.

After high school graduation, Phil attended Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in Lancaster, PA, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a focus in animation and illustration. After college, he worked in radio becoming the Promotions Director for Citadel Broadcasting’s Harrisburg radio stations eventually making his on-air radio debut as ‘Phil The Thrill’ on WXQA-FM 105.7 The X, as well as The People’s Morning Show and his own show on Sunday nights. He began working full time on-air at Red 102.3 in 2014. Phil left radio broadcasting in 2022 and became the Assistant Main Street Manager with the Downtown Carlisle Association where he works with local businesses and helps organize events throughout downtown Carlisle including the Ford and Corvette parades, Harvest of the Arts, and the Ice Art Fest.

As a way of ‘giving back’ to the community and help local businesses during their hardships brought on by the March 2020 pandemic, Phil used the knowledge and skills of his college degree and began to draw and paint local Carlisle businesses, selling the prints and giving all proceeds to the business pictured. Absorbing all costs for art supplies and printing, Phil was able to donate thousands of dollars to local struggling businesses.

Phil is married to his high school sweetheart and former band member, Sarah (Shufelt). They have two sons, Carter and Henry, and reside in the Mechanicsburg area.

Click here for a formatted, printable version of this article.