The recipient (posthumously) of the 2024-2025 Carlisle High School Band Distinguished Alumnus Award is Mr. Todd Copenhaver, Carlisle High School Class of 1985.  

Todd was a member of the Carlisle High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Galaxies Jazz Band as a saxophone player (baritone sax) during his four years of high school.  Todd was also a member of Carlisle High School’s Swim Team.

After graduating from high school, Todd attended the University of South Carolina earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Systems.  He was also the captain of the University’s water ski team.  Upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree, Todd moved to Atlanta, Georgia to work at HBO & Company, where he met his wife, Sherri.  Todd worked in the technology field until he discovered his passion for creative cooking, which led him to start his own wholesale food distribution company in 2012, Trade Winds Distribution, LLC.
 
 Todd’s greatest joys were his family and water.  He loved to sail, water ski, surf, swim, and be in/on the water in any capacity.  Todd was a member of the Atlanta Yacht Club and was also a Life Scout.  One of his proudest moments was when his son, Ross, became an Eagle Scout.  He dedicated himself to any interest his children pursued.  He was always the first to volunteer to help with school, robotics, swim team, regattas, and other activities.  His positive and upbeat attitude was noticed and admired by all.

Todd passed away on July 7, 2020 and is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sherri; his son, Ross; his daughter Avery; his mother Kathy Copenhaver (former Art teacher in the CASD and Band Booster); and his sister Kristen Eisemann and husband, LTC (Ret.) Andrew Eisemann. Todd’s life inspired the creation of The Flip Flops Foundation by his high school band and other high school close friends, with the purpose to uplift the people and causes in need around our Carlisle community by providing educational grants/scholarships, and financial support to those doing good, giving back, and  inspiring others.

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