The community gathered on Monday to honor longtime marching band director and music teacher Peter Horton.

Dozens of friends, family, colleagues and local officials gathered to dedicate a band room to Horton.

Family and friends said Horton’s mantra was “from the heart,” and he made an impact on thousands of kids’ lives during his more than 30 years at the school.

Donna Horton says her husband was smiling down from heaven tonight.

“I’m hoping that his legacy counties for years and years and everybody who walks by that plaque with his smiling face on it knows that Mr. Horton gave his best and he did from the heart, with his pride and with his pride, attitude, and concentration," she says.  

Carmen Dragone was the assistant band director for 27 years. He says Horton was instrumental in getting the band room in the first place. 

“I like the idea of every kid from now on, that walks into the band room, has to walk past his name,” Dragone said. “He designed that room from top to bottom, left to right, so to have it named after him is completely fitting.” 

A scholarship was also created in Horton's name for students looking to further their music education.