● High School: Garfield High School
● Post-Graduation Plans: Tufts University
● Course of Study: Cognitive and Brain Science
I have been singing as long as I remember, but SGC was the place where I found my voice. I’ve
been given the opportunity through this choir to do so many amazing things that so few high
schoolers can say they’ve done. Traveling to London and Wales on tour to perform and
compete, singing in the pit of McCaw Hall for the PNB’s Nutcracker ballet, and busking at the
Ballard farmer’s market with Sorella are all examples I can think of that I am still impressed I did.
Having so many of these experiences has given me the confidence to try new things and be
comfortable going with the flow when something unexpected happens. That isn’t only relevant to
singing in choir, but to every part of life. I’ve found myself speaking up more and being willing to
dive into unfamiliar waters more and more often, and I like to credit that to the confidence that
being in SGC has given me.
The environment in the rehearsal room is something indescribable. I can honestly say that I
think of each and every one of my choirmates as family. Every one of us wants the rest of us to
succeed, so the energy is overwhelmingly positive and uplifting. And making music together is
something that bonds a group of people in a way nothing else can. The friendships I’ve made in
choir are some of my most beloved, and I know that they will last long past graduation. The
choir community is amazing, and the people are what keep me coming to rehearsal every
Monday and Wednesday. I know if I’m having a bad day I can always count on a dozen people
to cheer me up.
It’s truly bittersweet to say goodbye, but I know I will be taking countless memories with me.
There have been so many magical moments in my seven years in SGC. I remember the year
we had our first camp back from COVID, and it was my first experience with PV. We stood on
the stairs of the Volunteer Park water tower in the dark and the older choristers sang Mary
Speaks to the freshmen. That was the moment when I fell in love with PV and I knew that I
wanted to be a part of a group that could make such beautiful music. Since then, I’ve been on
tour and sung that very same song onstage in Wales, recorded an album, given innumerable
concerts, and can proudly call myself a member of that group I was so amazed by at camp. I
know that no matter how much time passes after I graduate from SGC, I will always carry that
feeling with me that I got that day at the water tower, the feeling of wonder and connection that I
get from singing with the people I love.