Despite the devastation of the March fire at Warren High School that deemed the choir room and its contents a total loss, the program has continued to thrive. “We have had a great year coming off of Virtual Learning and a pandemic that left so many performing arts programs in question around the world. It’s been really fun to get to facilitate learning and methods of performance different from ways that are traditional in a choir classroom. Despite a year without performances, virtual auditions, and so many unprecedented setbacks, our program is stronger than ever. The Warren School District and community, surrounding communities, choir alumni, and the Arkansas Choral Directors Association have stepped up in big ways to make sure our students have what they need to succeed. We are forever grateful,” says Katie Kuhn, Director of Choral Activities for the Warren School District. At their recent Spring Concert, family and friends of choir members were able to hear the progress their learners have made this year and see their student’s accomplishments recognized. Awards presented to students were as follows:
Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards (3.0 GPA for the first three nine weeks) Lilli Bradley, Bella Burkhardt, Jaime Elmore, Aaryuna Farmer, Ana Gomez, Zoey Herring, Mackenzie Johnson, Anthony McCoy, Alitza Mondragon, Anelis Salinas, Lovely Sedano, Khloe Sigafus, Zy’Kira Smiley, Jasmine Waits, Krystal Walton
Commitment to Excellence Academic Achievement Awards (3.5 GPA for the first three nine weeks) Jorja Andrus, Sydney Clark, Natalie Cooper, Karis Files, Ella Garner, Tameriah Momon, Macie Morgan, Kaden Newton, Ghianna Ortiz, Ashton Ozment, Adison Pope, Paullette Torres, Eden Vaughn
Elite Academic Achievement Awards (4.0 GPA for the first three nine weeks) Rocio Castillo, Jaycee Courtney, Mylee Henley, Aja McDougald, Sosie Rodriguez, Briana Stanfill, Payton Thomas
Natalie Cooper (Mezzo-Soprano, 11th grade), Karis Files (Mezzo-Soprano, 11th grade), and Ella Garner (Alto, 12th grade) were recognized for their placement in the ARKCDA Region 3 All-Region SSA Choir.
Karis Files (Mezzo-Soprano, 11th grade) was recognized for her placement in the ARKCDA All-State SSAA Chorus.
Natalie Cooper (Mezzo-Soprano, 11th grade), Jaycee Courtney (Alto, 6th grade), and Karis Files (Mezzo-Soprano, 11th grade) were recognized for their nomination for the ARKCDA Summer Honor Choirs.
Ella Garner (Alto, 12th grade) was recognized as the 2022 recipient of the Curry and Mary Lou Martin Music Scholarship for the choral department.
The choir is currently wrapping up their spring fundraiser, a drawing for an Arkansas Game and Fish Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License generously donated by Mr. Deke Whitbeck and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Entry for the drawing is $50. The deadline for entry is May 19 with the drawing to be held May 20. To purchase an entry, contact Katie Kuhn at [email protected] or (501) 420-3902.
