Division I Superior ratings at every competition. The drum majors at Union were noted for winning 1st Overall at three of the four competitions they visited in their 2011-year, and the band won the highest honor of Grand Champion at the Letcher County Central Marching Invitational in October 2011. In the years following the consolidation, the band has been successful in many of the competitions they have participated in. The marching bears have come to be well respected in their area and have competed in competitions in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. The UHS Band has become one of the top bands in Southwestern Virginia and competes alongside many other top names such as Virginia High School, Chilhowie High School, John Battle High School, Sullivan South High School, and Richlands High School. The band program at Union has approximately 80 members. The Marching Bears also continued the legacy held by the former Powell Valley Viking Band in holding the 31st Annual McChesney Band Festival in honor of Mrs. Virginia McChesney, who taught at both Appalachia and Powell Valley in her day. The Union High School Forensics team also experienced a successful first season. The original team consisted of 19 members under the direction of Christy Kelley, many of which advanced to the Regional competition. Three students from Union advanced to the State competition in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The three members placed 1st, 7th, and 8th in their respective divisions of the competition. The Union High one-act team also participates in competitions every year and planned to perform a comedy in 2013. Notable alumni Thomas Jones, former NFL running back, attended Powell before consolidation. Played at Virginia, drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 1st round 7th overall 2000 NFL Draft. Julius Jones, former NFL running back, attended Powell before consolidation. Played at Notre Dame, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys 2nd round 43rd overall 2004 NFL Draft. James Mitchell, Played at Virginia Tech, drafted by the Detroit Lions 5th round 177th overall 2022 NFL Draft. References External links Union High website Public high schools in Virginia Schools in Wise County, Virginia Educational institutions established in 2011 2011 establishments in Virginia