It has been many months since I have written a blog entry; however, I am going to make a concerted effort to chronicle as many of our end of year events as I possibly can. Today, I start with our Chamber Choir's trip to represent SGGA at the "Music in the Parks" competition in Hershey, PA. It was about this time last year that Mrs. Bergin approached me with the idea of entering this competition. For many months now, our Chamber Choir has been preparing for this day. The Chamber Choir, along with Mrs. Bergin, Mrs. Mularadelis, and Mrs. O'Keefe and a large contingent of parents, departed for Hershey around 7:00AM this morning. The actual performance took place in a local house of worship near Hershey Park at 11:40AM. Mrs. Rivera and I were able to join the students just prior to their performance, and we had the privledge of watching our students as the performed. I was awed at what our Chamber Choir was able to present to the judges and the audience. As far as I know, this is the first time that SGGA has ever been able to enter such a competition, and I am tremendously proud of every single member of the choir for their hard work and dedication. They represented the Academy with the highest degree of honor. I was truly moved as I watched the students perform what they have practiced so hard to do.

Once the performance was over, it was on to Hershey Park for a few hours, until this evening's award ceremony. The choir members were to enjoy some hard earned, well deserved down time.

Thank are extended to the students, their parents who support them, the teachers, and especially to Mrs. Bergin for her vision and effort to make this endeavor successful. I look forward to our Chamber Choir entering the competition again NEXT YEAR!

Here are some photos that I was able to capture: