She taught – and inspired – SHS students
Continuing and adding to treasured SHS traditions were hallmarks during the 30-year career of Lisa Baker.
A native of Ogden, Ohio, Mrs. Baker earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Bowling Green State University. She remained ever loyal to her alma mater, serving as president of the Bowling Green Band Alumni Society and mentoring student teachers.
Early in her career, she taught middle school choir and assisted with the SHS band before becoming head band director. Mrs. Baker was integral to the band’s earning 27 district superior ratings and 20 state superior ratings.
During her tenure, she broadened the perspectives of band members by organizing every-four-year band trips to Disney World, highlighted by leading the band in Main Street USA parades. Mrs. Baker also led the band to Washington, D.C. where it performed at the Lincoln and FDR memorials.
Away from music she devoted countless hours to quilting; among recipients of her creations were band alumni, especially when they became parents. Says a former band member, “Teaching was her joy, and her passion was inspiring.”
Lisa died at 61 from cancer on January 25, 2024 in Shelby.