Dozens of students recognized by Lewisburg Area School Board

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

May 13—LEWISBURG — More than one hundred students were recognized by the Lewisburg Area School Board during Thursday night's public meeting.

For nearly an hour, the school board recognized the accomplishments of students participating in state-level competitions, including All-State Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, and Chamber Choir, as well as academic clubs and organizations including the Technology Student Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Skills USA, Budget Game, Husky Dog Pound, Stock Market Game and Dream, Pitch, Learn. This included a live performance in the board room by the Chamber Choir who sang a spiritual entitled "Go Down Moses" accompanied by Vivian Vance on the piano.

"We are very fortunate enough tonight to have a number of reasons to celebrate," Superintendent Cathy Moser said. "We have art, we have music, we have TSA, we have SUN ATI award winners, we have individuals who have distinguished themselves in FBLA. The list goes on."

Jonathan Walz, the district's vocal director, said the chamber choir was selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

"It is quite an extensive audition process," Walz said. "It goes before a board of professional musicians and music educators. Out of about 100 groups that auditioned, we were one of about 20 selected to perform at the All-State Music Convention in Erie this year (in April)."

A total of 18 students participated in a PMEA festival this year, 19 last year and 22 the year before, Walz said.

"I am very proud of the kids," Walz said. "They have worked hard this year."

Seniors Katie Kelley, Jaelyne Taylor and Liam Shabahang all obtained all-state chorus status. Kelley, 18, said it was her third year participating.

"It was by far my favorite PMEA event that I've ever been to," Kelley said. "I loved the energy and I loved the conductor. I loved getting to spend my last festival in such an amazing place with such wonderful people."

School directors praised the musical performance as well as the accomplishments of the other students.

"For the first time ever, I got goosebumps during a school board meeting with the chamber choir," Director Kristin Kraus said. "I was literally blown away. They are absolutely amazing and incredible."

Director Heather Haynos said she was "blown away" by the public speaking skills of the students and "thrilled" with the technical skills of the students.

"I don't think there's anything better than to hear students talk about their experiences," Director Jordan Fetzer said.