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Showing posts from May, 2020

Senior Spotlight - Brandon Hartle

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.     Our next featured senior is Brandon Hartle, son of Edward and Melissa Hartle.  In addition to being a six year choir member, Brandon was also a member of the high school basketball and baseball teams.  He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.  

Senior Spotlight - Breana Shawgo

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.     Our next featured senior is Breana Shawgo, daughter of Dana Shawgo and Kim Pastnovich.  In addition to being a six year choir member, she was also a member of the Junior and Senior Executive Councils.  After graduation, Breana will be enrolling in the United States Air Force Security Forces, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her dad for always supporting her and encouraging her to strive for better.

2020 Swing Out King and Queen

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Congratulations to the 2020 Swing Out Queen, Katie Fye and Daniel Martinec! Special Thanks to Kelly Malek Photography for these photos, and Double Bloom Flower Shop for DONATING this year's flowers and sashes.    

John Phillip Sousa and National Choral Awards

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Congratulations to Brandon Huff, recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, and Katie Fye, recipient of the 2020 National Choral Award.  

Senior Spotlight - Samuel Puleo

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Sam Puleo, son of Bob and Kathleen Puleo, and grandson of former OCHS Band Director C. Frank Puleo. His activities have included A Cappella Choir, Musical, Football, Track, and National Honor Society. In the fall, Sam plans to attend either Carlow or Point Park University for Digital Media. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support.

Senior Spotlight - Haley Burk

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Haley Burk, daughter of Jennifer Truhar.  She is a member of A Cappella Choir, Softball, Swimming, and the Tennis Teams.  After high school, Haley will be joining the Air Force.  She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support.

Senior Spotlight - Eli Flinchbaugh

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next king candidate is Eli Flinchbaugh, son of Sandra Stahlman.  His activities include A Cappella Choir, Musical, Golf, and Boy’s Tennis.  He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support throughout his time in high school.

Senior Spotlight - Heather Karns

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Heather Karns, daughter of Jeff and Julie Karns. In addition to being a member of the high school choir the majority of her middle and high school career, she has been a member of the high school tennis and basketball teams.  After high school, Heather plans to enlist in the United States Air Force, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.

Senior Spotlight - Kate Fye

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Swing Out Queen and National Choral Award Winner Katie Fye.  She is the daughter of Beth and Stephen Fye.  She has been a six year member of choir, and an eight year member of band.  During that time she has also been a member of Marching Band, where she was Drum Major this past season, Rhapsody in Blues, Jazz Band, Women's Quartet (where she competed in two international Sweet Adelines Competitions), Pep Band, and Musical.  In addition, she has also performed in District Band and Chorus, Region Chorus, Mercyhurst Honors Band, and has served as Choir Mistress of

2020 Swing Out King and Queen

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And the 2020 Swing Out King and Queen are...   KATIE FYE AND DANIEL MARTINEC!!!    

2020 National Choral Award

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The National Choral Award is given to the outstanding graduating senior who has contributed most to his or her musical organization during their school music career. All members of the high school choirs vote for their selection based on the following points:   1. Better than average scholastic standing 2. Cooperation above and beyond normal duties 3. General Musicianship 4. Music Performance 5. Attendance at concerts/extra events 6. Desire to improve and take criticism 7. Diligence 8. Selflessness 9. Personal Integrity 10. Qualified to carry on the best traditions of the school   While all of our seniors have exhibited these qualities throughout their high school careers, we can only choose one.   It is my pleasure to announce that the 2020 National School Choral Award Recipient is... KATIE FYE    

Senior Spotlight - Kieara Kenniston

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Kieara Kenniston. She is the daughter of Jill Mellring and Robert Kenniston.  In addition to being a six year choir member, her activites also included Rhapsody in Blues, Musical, Leadership Team, Cheerleading, and Bowling Club.  She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and especially her mom for attending all her concerts and supporting her throughout the years.  

Senior Spotlight - Christa Hudson

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Christa Hudson, daughter of Chris and Cheryl Hudson.  In addition to being a six year choir member, she has been a member of Colorguard, Sapphires, and STEM Team.  After high school, Christa plans to buy a van and go traveling.  She would like to thank her family for keeping her on the straight and narrow.

Zoom Meetings This Week

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday today, and the pickup and drop off of items at the middle school, we will be moving meetings around a little this week. Login information and links are in Google Classroom. Please note dates and times, and contact Mr. Luxbacher with any questions. MS Chorus will not have a formal meeting this week, due to school item pickup at the Middle School this week. Please see below for Choir Karate time if you are planning on completing those items this week. MONDAY: No Meetings TUESDAY: No Meetings - 6th Grade - See Wednesday WEDNESDAY: 5th and 6th Grade Music Office Hour: 11:15 - 11:55 AM HS Choir Underclassmen Meeting: 1:25 - 2:05 PM THURSDAY: Choir Karate Catch-All 10:00 AM Choir Karate Catch-All 1:00 PM FRIDAY: Choir Karate Catch-All 11:00 AM Choir Karate Catch-All 1:00 PM This is the final week for Choir Karate. Please plan to complete before June 1.

Senior Music Department Tribute - Class of 2020

Special Thanks to Jim Ellis Photography, Kelly Malek Photography, Beth Fye, Chris Huff, and the Choir Class of 2020 for their contributions to this video.

Senior Spotlight - Sophie Horner

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Sophie Horner, daughter of Robert and Carmen Horner.  In addition to being a member of the high school choir, she has been a member of the high school tennis team.  Following high school, Sophie will be attending university to pursue a career in Speech-Language  Pathology.  She would like to thank her friends, Abby and Jessa, for all of their support.

Senior Spotlight - Caleb Bish

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Caleb Bish, son of Curtis and Rebecca Bish.  Along with being a member of choir in middle and high schools, Caleb has been a part of the Football, Swimming, and Track and Field Teams.  After graduation, Caleb will be enlisting in the United States Air Force, and we thank him for his service.  He would like to thank his m om, dad, and family for always supporting him and always having the support of the community throughout his career at Oil City.

Swing Out Court Presentation 2020

Senior Choir - Change of Schedule for Tonight’s Recording Session

From the responses I received, we should be under the mandated 25 person threshold to record together. Therefore, instead of recording in sections tonight, we will meet together as a choir at 4:00 pm in the high school auditorium.  Sopranos and Altos will report at this time, as well as the Tenors and Basses that we’re already scheduled.  Dress is cap and gown (Gentlemen - bring your caps as well), and dress clothes under the robes.  We will record the National Anthem, Alma Mater, Irish Blessing, and the Senior Portion of Body Electric.  SENIORS - PLEASE TEXT YOUR FRIENDS TO MAKE SURE THEY KNOW.  I will email everyone shortly. When you arrive, please observe the following guidelines: Please park in the back parking lot and come in through the back doors where the busses drop off.  Please put at least one parking space between your cars.  The back doors will be open. Please do not enter the building until 5 minutes before your scheduled time Only you are to come into the building

Senior Spotlight - Jessa Girty

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Jessa Girty.  She is the daughter of Joshua and Heidi Girty.  Along with being a member of the choirs for the past six years, she has also been a member of the tennis team and Junior Executive Council.  In the fall, Jessa will be attending IUP for nursing, with the eventual goal to be a nurse practitioner.  She would like to thank her friends, Abby and Sophie, for all their love and support.

Senior Spotlight - Abby Kujawski

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next choir senior to be featured is Abby Kujawski.  She is the daughter of David and Kelly Kujawski.  She has been a member of the choirs since 7th grade, and has also been a member of the Tennis Team.  In the fall, Abby is planning on attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She would like to thank her friends, Jessa and Sophie, for all of their love and support.

HS CHOIR: PLEASE READ!!!

LOTS OF THINGS GOING ON THIS WEEK.  PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW: SENIORS: WEDNESDAY: Senior Choir Recording for Baccalaureate / Graduation in HS Auditorium: Tenors and Basses: 4:00 to 5:15 PM Altos: 5:30 to 6:45 PM Sopranos: 7:00 to 8:15 PM PLEASE REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FROM YOUR EMAIL BEFORE ARRIVING!!!   UNDERCLASSMEN: RETURN OF MUSIC: Please bring your folders, and any music department items (robes, uniforms, textbooks, etc.) this week at your designated time: Monday, May 18th - 11th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Tuesday, May 19th - 10th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Wednesday, May 20th - 9th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Sen

Senior Spotlight - Ashtyn Wise

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Ashtyn Wise.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Robin Wise.  Ashtyn has been a member of the choirs since seventh grade, and also participates in track and field and gymnastics.  After graduation, Ashtyn will be enlisting with the United States Air Force, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her parents and grandparents for always pushing her and always being there for her.

Senior Spotlight - Daniel Gatesman

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Daniel Gatesman.  He is the son of Chris and Janet Gatesman.  He has been a member of both the Middle and High School Choirs, in addition to being part of the Soccer Team, Video Leadership, and Yearbook Staff.  In the fall, Dan will be attending Butler County Community College to pursue a degree in Engineering Technology with CADD.  He would like to thank his family and close friends for all of their support.

Senior Spotlight - Halyne Riley

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next senior is Halyne Riley.  She is the daughter of Michael and Heather Riley.  She has been a member of the choir throughout middle and high school.  In addition to her musical pursuits, she has also been a member of the Varsity Football and Competition Cheer Teams, and Senior Executive Council.  In the fall, Halyne will be attending Clarion University for Medical Imaging and Ultrasound.  She would like to take this opportunity to thank her family and friends for their constant support and encouragement, and Mr. Luxbacher for teaching her everything she need to know about music since 6t

Senior Spotlight - Carter Stanley

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Carter Stanley.  Carter is the son of Molly Jennings and J.D. Stanley.  Carter has been a member of choir throughout middle and high school, and was in our production of "A Christmas Story the Musical" in the fall of 2017.  In addition to his musical pursuits, Carter has been a member of the wrestling and golf teams, and has been part of Broadcasting.  In the fall, he plans to attend Slippery Rock University.  Carter would like to thank all of his coaches and teachers for everything they have done for him throughout his school career.

PLEASE READ!!!

REMINDER: Voting for Swing Out Court is due by 11:59 tonight (Wednesday, May 13). Ballot is in your email. If you need another link, contact Mr. Luxbacher or Mr. Cartwright.   SENIORS: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL NOW FOR INFORMATION REGARDING GRADUATION CHOIR!!!

Senior Spotlight - Keeley Hargenrader

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Keeley Hargenrader.  She is the daughter of Tim and Stacey Hargenrader, and proud mother of her son, Jack.  She has been a member of middle school chorus, and Concert and Treble Choirs in high school. She attended Venango Technology Center to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant, and we know she will go far.  She would like to thank all of her friends and family for their support.

Senior Spotlight - Josh Masters

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next senior is Josh Masters.  He is the son of Wendy Masters.  He has been a member of choir since the 7th grade, and has performed in the high school musical and Rhapsody in Blues during his time in choir.  In addition, he has gone above and beyond by serving in the leadership the past two years, and performing in the PMEA district and region chorus festivals.   Beyond the choir room, Josh has also been a part of the Cross Country and Track teams.  As you can see in the picture, Josh will be serving in the US Marine Corps following high school, and we thank him for his service.  He would lik

Senior Spotlight - Cheyanne Sharrar

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Cheyanne Sharrar. She is the daughter of John and Joanne Sharrar. She is a seven year choir member, and has served in leadership during her freshman and senior years. After high school, Cheyanne is planning on earning a Master's Degree in Marine Biology and pursuing a career as a Marine Biologist. She would like to thank her dad, for keeping music alive in her family, and her music teachers, Mr. Luxbacher and Mr. Cartwright, for teaching me all about music.

Swing Out King / Queen and Choral Award Voting

Ballots for Swing Out King and Queen and Choral Award Voting were sent out via email tonight.  Band will receive theirs tomorrow from Mr. Cartwright.  Please complete all voting by 11:59 PM Wednesday, May 13th.  Contact Mr. Luxbacher with questions.

Senior Spotlight - Korey Felmlee

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next senior is Korey Felmlee.  He is the son of Gregg and Kristy Felmlee.  He is another 7 year choir member, and performed as part of the PMEA District 3 Chorus during his junior year.  In addition to choir, Korey is active in National Honor Society, and works with his Dad in his landscaping business.  In the fall, Korey will be attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in digital media.  He eventually hopes to move to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to start a family, work in digital media, and open up a record store on the side.  He would like to give a special thanks to his

Senior Spotlight - Christina Smith

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next senior to be recognized is Christina Smith.  She is the daughter of  Eric and Irene Smith.  She has been a member of the choirs since the 7th Grade, and served as Choirmistress of the Women's Choir when she was a freshman.  In addition to her contributions to the music department, she has also been a member of the Swim Team (State Finalist), Track and Field Team, and the Yearbook staff.  In the fall, Christina will be heading to Carlow University to pursue a career in nursing.  We thank her for her many years of service to the high school choirs.

Senior Spotlight - Zach Malek

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured Senior is Zachary Malek.  He is the son of Frank and Kelly Malek.  He has been a member of the choir since 7th grade, when he "thought singing was weird."  He is also a member of the Oil City High School Swim Team, and qualified for State Swimming this year.  In the fall, Zach plans to attend college and major in secondary education for Social Studies.  He would like to thank his family for their support, and especially his mother for making him do choir all those years ago.

Senior Spotlight - JoAnn Rhoades

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next senior to be featured is JoAnn Rhoades.  She is the daughter of Dustin Rhoades and the Granddaughter of Debra Rhoades.  JoAnn came to us this year from Rocky Grove, where she was a member of their choir for many years.  She is hoping to enter the workforce after high school, and she would like to thank Mr. Luxbacher for a wonderful senior year and her Nama for always be here for her.

Senior Spotlight - Daniel Martinec

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Daniel Martinec.  He is the son of Matthew and Amanda Martinec.  He has been a member of the choir since the seventh grade, and has been an important part of the stage crew since his sophomore year.  In addition to his musical pursuits, he has been a member of the Cross Country, Track, Robotics, and STEM Teams, and has been an member of National Honor Society.  In the fall, Dan will be attending the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville majoring in Nursing.  He would like to take this opportunity to thank his friends and family for their love and support through the

Senior Spotlight - Audrey Strouse

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Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next choir senior is Audrey Strouse.  She is the Daughter of Bobbi Henderson.  She has been in choir the past two years as a member of Bass Choir and A Cappella Choir.  In addition, she served as a member of our marching band this year, performing in the colorguard.  Outside of the music department, Audrey has been active in the Robotics Club.  In the fall, Audrey plans to attend college, and we certainly wish her well!

Congratulations to the 2020 Swing Out Court

King Candidates: Zach Bensink Korey Felmlee Eli Flinchbaugh Caleb Gardner Brandon Huff Dan Martinec Josh Masters Sam Puleo Kyle Swanson Queen Candidates: Haley Burk Lacie Cochran Kiersten Deeter Katie Fye Christa Hudson Kieara Kenniston Lyndsey McDonald Gabby Rodgers Summer Stevenson COURT: I will be getting information to you in the next few days regarding photos for the presentation/newspaper.  Also, if you have not submitted bios to date, please do so ASAP!!! Voting for Swing Out King and Queen and the National Choral Award will take place this weekend, and we will present the court and winners as soon as court pictures are taken and presentation is ready.