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Apache Junction choir student receives 'best in class' recognition
Posted
I honestly didn’t believe that I could get best in class, but now that I have it has definitely boosted up my confidence.”
Hannah O’Toole, choir student at Apache Junction High School
By Sally Marks
Hannah O’Toole, a choir student at Apache Junction High School, 2525 N. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction, has even more to sing about now.
The high school freshman was nominated in the Best in Class category by the Arizona Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Tier 2. Only one male vocal solo and one female vocal solo were recognized in this designation.
According to Andie Chung, choir director for Apache Junction Unified School District, there were 816 Tier 1 entries in the state, 177 Superior ratings were received and AJHS had three Superior ratings. In Tier 2, 157 entries registered and there were 24 entries nominated for “Best in Class” acknowledgement.
“I would like to thank Ms. Chung for all the support and opportunities she has given me. She has made a big impact on my life and many other amazing kids,” said Hannah, who also had Ms. Chung as her choir teacher when she was a student at Cactus Canyon Junior High School in Apache Junction. “I honestly didn’t believe that I could get best in class, but now that I have it has definitely boosted up my confidence.”
In addition to learning and appreciating music those who participate in choir programs enjoy many benefits. Singing has been found to strengthen the immune system and singing in a choir fosters teamwork, camaraderie and helps students widen their circle of friends. Hannah reiterates the latter.
“In addition to Ms. Chung, I would also like to thank Erandy Giron, one of my greatest friends,” said Hannah. “In the short time that I’ve known her, we have also been through so much. She has taught me a lot over the past months and without her I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today.”
Hannah was recently recognized at an Apache Junction Unified School District Governing Board meeting after she was invited to the American Choral Directors Association Cantaremos Honor Choir and she participated in ACDA Western Division Honor choir in Utah early March.
Editor's note: Sally Marks is AJUSD's public information officer.
