MarionMade!: Pleasant teen revs up passion for music and cars to benefit music programs

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Dylan Hanshaw, an 18-year-old senior at Pleasant High School, has had two lifelong loves − cars and music.

“I was born into it. Dad has worked in dealerships since he was able to work. Mom’s worked for different car-related organizations. Grandpa worked in a dealership before Dad, so it’s all I’ve known,” Dylan said.

Dylan, his parents, Brent and Heather Hanshaw, and his younger brother, Bryce, also are musical.

“I played the clarinet, French horn and mellophone in high school. My husband played the saxophone. Dylan and Bryce play percussion, and Bryce also is an amazing guitar player!” Heather Hanshaw said. “Music is very important to our family.”

In addition to getting ready to graduate from high school and taking college classes at Marion Technical College, Dylan is active in a number of music groups. He coached the marching band drum line and ran lighting for the recent musical, "Shrek," at the Marion Palace Theatre.

“It was the best musical I’ve been a part of. I have to give them credit,” Dylan said. “All I did was shine a light on the true stars.”

Music and Motors mesh to create car show fundraiser

Dylan combined his favorite things to create the Music and Motors car show and music extravaganza being held 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday in the event parking area behind the high school. The fundraiser benefits Pleasant music programs, providing uniforms and instruments.

“When Dylan saw the opportunity to bring his two passions together, he made it happen. We are very proud of his dedication to our music program,” said Steve Ringer, principal of Pleasant High School.

Dylan found support from teachers, parents and community members.

“I’ve lived here all of my life. With how much support we got from the community without ever doing this before is just insane to me,” Dylan said.

Admission is free. There is a $10 fee to show a car. Pleasant students of all ages will perform. There will be a kids play area, food trucks, raffle and door prizes.

“My goal was $1,500. With sponsorships, we’ve almost doubled it before the event even happens,” Dylan said.

Event gives a shoutout to music and band motto

This teenager’s labor of love makes his parents proud.

“Dylan is so determined to his goals. He is generally the quiet kid, but it has been so cool to see him step into leadership roles,” Heather Hanshaw said. “He knows who is and is a driven, kind, thoughtful person. He makes the world a better place.”

Dylan is thrilled to highlight other musical kids.

“Pleasant’s always been athletic. I think it’s great,” Dylan said. “It’s nice to see the community giving the music department some attention and support, too.”

“Dylan is a very dedicated young man that lives up to our band's motto − SUDA (Service, Unity, Dedication, Attitude). He goes above and beyond always finds ways to help out, even when he is not asked,” said Jason Frank, Pleasant band director. “He voluntarily comes in and organizes our percussion section. When we moved from our old school to the new building, he had his truck and trailer ready to move all of the band instruments over. He is the model student and what we want out of all of our students.”

Rhonda Morris, president of the Pleasant Music Boosters, agrees.

“This event will be one of our biggest events ever. Dylan and his family have done a spectacular job gearing up for what will be a fun day of food, music and cars. We are a nonprofit organization and all funds go directly to support our band and choir members. The support of the Marion community and our Pleasant families has been overwhelming,” Morris said.

Dylan credits his dad for being his role model.

“He’s a huge part of my life and why I’m the way I am,” Dylan said. “I’m hoping this becomes part of the future and we can keep doing this again.”

Until then, Dylan is watching Saturday’s weather forecast with his fingers crossed.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Pleasant senior Dylan Hanshaw organizes Music and Motors fundraiser