Congratulations to Chardon Middle School fifth-graders Keelie Hagan and SJ Moore and fourth-graders Abran Gonzales, Nate Latessa, Charlotte Polak and Zoe Williams whose outstanding vocal talents and Hilltopper commitment paved the way to a prestigious achievement for each...
State-Bound Student Vocalists
Congratulations to Chardon Middle School fifth-graders Keelie Hagan and SJ Moore and fourth-graders Abran Gonzales, Nate Latessa, Charlotte Polak and Zoe Williams whose outstanding vocal talents and Hilltopper commitment paved the way to a prestigious achievement for each — acceptance into the Ohio Music Education Association’s 2024 All-State Children’s Chorus. As members of the elite chorus, the six Hilltoppers are headed to the OMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbus on Feb. 1, where they will perform in concert with 130 of the best elementary school vocalists in Ohio.
The choir will participate in an all-day rehearsal with guest conductor Tom Shelton at the Columbus Convention Center and sing in concert at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom at 5 p.m. as part of the conference’s student showcase. Shelton is an associate professor of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College; the director of the Children’s and Youth Choirs at Princeton United Methodist Church; and conductor of the Westminster Neighborhood Children’s Choir.
Thank you to Chardon Schools elementary music teacher Sam Puterbaugh and CMS music teacher Vanessa Allen for their leadership in preparing Chardon students for the state event, including the chaperoning of the Hilltoppers for regional rehearsals held at Nordonia High School with 50 Northeast Ohio student vocalists.
The six students were notified of their acceptance into the OMEA’s 2024 All-State Children’s Chorus last fall following spring auditions under the leadership of Chardon Schools music faculty, including Mrs. Puterbaugh. Auditions included the pieces America the Beautiful – Key of C Major, A Cappella and O Music by Lowell Mason – Key of F or G Major, A Cappella.
Chardon Crescendo Club generously sponsored the Chardon students’ audition entry fees.
CMS PTO Fundraiser
The Chardon Middle School PTO extends an invitation to the community to their Give Back to the Red and Black fundraiser event, an evening of dinner, raffle baskets, a silent auction, dessert dash, sideboards and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CMS teachers’ wish lists for the classroom.
The event will be held at St. Mary’s Banquet Room at 401 North St. on Feb. 24. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Event tickets are $50 individual or $400 for a table of eight and are available through Feb. 14.
Visit chardonschools.org for tickets, questions about the event, making a donation or becoming a sponsor.
