After Kelli Harter, Randall High School choir director, nominated some of her students for the Statewide Music Award, 12 students were honored as Texas Music Scholars at a ceremony on May 1.
“It is always such a joy to see your students honored with this kind of accomplishment,” Harter said. “We are proud of these choir members and the hard work that they have put in this year.”
This award is given to students who have exhibited outstanding qualities in scholastic merit, musicianship, and citizenship in their school and community during the 2024-2025 school year.
“Students must have competed in the TMEA All-State process and in UIL Solo & Ensemble to become eligible for this award,” Harter said. “It’s a great acknowledgement for these incredible young musicians.”
Out of the 12 students who received the award, four are seniors this year. Senior Hunter Long just signed to go to West Texas A&M to pursue a degree in music education.
“My high school choir experience shaped who I am as a person today,” Long said. “I used to be the quiet kid that sat in the corner and did his own thing, but now I’m beyond extroverted, and do my best to make sure no one feels alone or excluded. If it weren’t for Mrs. Harter and Mr. Miller, I would never have come out of my shell and found my passion for music. Though the pair won’t be returning next year, I look forward to seeing where Mr. Vickery and Mr. Nall take this program.”
Texas Music Scholars include:
- Bonnie Allen-Phillips, 9th Grade, Soprano
- Lyric Cantu, 10th Grade, Soprano
- Madison Gilmore, 9th Grade, Soprano
- Hunter Long, 12th Grade, Bass
- Skryara Porter, 12th Grade, Alto
- Kaitlyn Speed, 9th Grade, Alto
- Sophia Boucher, 9th Grade, Soprano
- Briar Christie, 10th Grade, Soprano
- Christopher Hernandez, 12th Grade, Tenor
- Esabella Martinez, 9th Grade, Soprano
- Vivian Salas, 9th Grade, Alto
- Josie Veitenheimer, 12th Grade, Soprano