COOPER CITY, Fla. – The band room at Cooper City High School was anything but quiet when longtime director Jason Cochrac — known affectionately as “Mr. C” — walked in and was met with a rousing musical surprise from his students and Local 10 News.
“Your band is here so take it away band and you take it all in, because this is for you,” said Local 10’s Mayte Padron as his students launched into a spirited performance.
Cochrac, stunned by the recognition, was this week’s recipient of Local 10’s “Tribute to Teachers” award, honoring educators who go above and beyond.
“Is this your regular demeanor, very calm? Does Mr. C stand for calm and collected?” asked Padron.
“A little bit. I’m just a little in shock. I didn’t know this was taking place today. I was told something else,” Cochrac said. “I’m very happy. I’m actually holding back some tears. I really am. This is very unexpected, very appreciative.”
With more than 19 years of experience, Cochrac has built a legacy at CCHS, leading his students to numerous accolades and inspiring generations of musicians.
“This is our state superior plaque,” he said, while holding one of many awards on display.
Under his leadership, the school’s band program has flourished, with both the JV and varsity winter guard teams recently winning first place championships.
“This is the first time this has happened in the history of Cooper City High and the Son of Pride Winter Guard teams,” Cochrac said.
Band captain Ella Price credits Mr. C with helping shape her future.
“After being in this program for four years and realizing how much I love music, I am going to go to the University of Florida to study music education. It just completely changed my life, and I hope to do the same thing,” Price said. “I feel like he’s gotten me out of my comfort zone.”
Another student, Sam Rodriguez, said, “Back in sophomore year, I got a solo in marching band and it really helped me play a lot better.”
To add to the surprise, Publix Community Relations Manager Robyn Hankerson Printemps presented Cochrac with a special gift.
“We want to award you a little bit. We want to present you with $1,000 in Publix gift cards,” she said. “And it’s obvious that that is what Mr. C gets his thrill from —watching these students develop and grow and become our next leaders in our communities.”
Cochrac said the honor was a shared one.
“Being able to pass on my knowledge and work with fantastic students like these that you see here in the room and those that are not here is just a privilege,” he said.
Click here to read more stories from Local 10’s Tribute to Teachers series.
