a winter guard program. In the 2009–2010 school year, the band had approximately 95 members; by 2015-2016, this had increased to about 195. The band was led by head director James Hannah from the school's founding until his retirement in 2017. Hannah was succeeded by long time Jasper High School band director Jackie Digby, who leads the band to this day. Plano West has taught a jazz band alongside its normal band program since the school's opening. In 2018, due to increased membership, the school added a second jazz band. The Plano West Jazz Orchestra, directed by Preston Pierce, was named a finalist for the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition in 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The Jazz Orchestra was the invited high school Jazz Ensemble at the 2016 Texas Music Educators Association Convention. In 2011, Plano West was named one of only seven Gold Grammy Signature Schools for its music program. The award recognizes top U.S. public high schools making an outstanding commitment to music education. Alumni Ben Bass (Class of 2007) — NFL defensive end with the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, formerly at Texas A&M University. Kyle Bosworth (Class of 2005) — NFL linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys Natalie Chou (Class of 2016) — NCAA shooting guard with the UCLA Bruins T. J. Cline (Class of 2012), American-Israeli basketball player Geoffrey Groselle (Class of 2011) — professional basketball player. Jackson Jeffcoat (Class of 2010) — NFL linebacker with the Washington Redskins, formerly defensive end at University of Texas at Austin. Currently with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. David Lofton (Class of 2002) — NFL defensive back with the Miami Dolphins, formerly at Stanford University. Billy McKinney (Class of 2013) — MLB outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers Jordan Pugh (Class of 2006) — NFL defensive back with the New Orleans Saints. Drafted in the 6th round out of Texas A&M University. Leon Taylor (Class of 2011) — forward with Bodens BK and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Vickiel Vaughn (Class of 2002) — NFL defensive back with the Denver Broncos, formerly at the University of Arkansas. Debate The Plano West Debate Team has had many successes over the tournament season, with bringing home many awards. The most recent of which include 1st place at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in 2020, for the events International Extemporaneous Speaking and Big Questions Debate. The team