-worthy News

This page spotlights the achievements of our STARS in the band program.  Our students are standouts in so many different areas, we want to share this good news with you and congratulate them on their accomplishments.  Please submit "noteworthy" items by Clicking Here to send them to Kathy Rothfusz, Booster Communications Chair

 

 

 

NEW!  Ian Williams qualified for the Track Regionals held on Saturday, April 26, at Woodward Academy. This is his second year to letter in Track/Pole Vault. His personal record for Pole Vault is 11' 6".  Congratulations, Ian!

 

Congratulations to Senior band members Danielle Conti and Kent Hanie on their selection as finalists in the Scholarships for the Stars Performing Arts Competition.

 

The competition, sponsored by the Lexus Pursuit of Potential Foundation, was open to all Fayette County high school Seniors planning to major in music. Danielle and Kent were chosen from preliminary auditions as two of the twelve finalists. SMHS student Sarah Fender was also selected as a finalist. The 12 finalists will perform Friday evening, April 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City at 7:30 pm.

 

College music professors from around the Atlanta area will make up the judges panel. The first place winner will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Second, third and fourth place winners will be awarded $5000, $3000, and $2000 scholarships.

 

Good luck to Danielle and Kent; you're our shining Starrs!

Further information regarding the event:  A VIP reception will be held immediately after the performance to honor the winners. Tickets for the event are only $5 in advance or $7 on the night of the event. They can be purchased at many of the local high schools, the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater and at Lexus of South Atlanta. Tickets for the VIP reception with preferred seating can be purchased for $20. All tickets sales go directly into additional scholarships for the students, since Lexus of South Atlanta is also taking care of all of the actual expenses to put on the event.
 

 

 

 

 

Madeleine Conti, Laura Eckhardt, Sarah Ferree, Katie McCord, and Molly Wenske passed the first round of audition/interviews in music for the Governor's Honors Program. Emilia Amalfitano passed for science and Jake Millspaugh passed for German. They all will go on to the state audition/interviews in February.  Congratulations to all of you!!!!!
 

Congratulations to Danielle Conti, Madeleine Conti, Katie McCord, and Katie Waldeck (alternate) for being selected to the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO)! This is a wonderful ensemble and big honor!

 

Congratulations to everyone who auditioned for the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra. You are better players now because of your hard work before the audition.

 

Congratulations to the following Starr's Mill students for making the 2007-08 Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony: Katie McCord, Kevin Harrell, Danielle Conti, Lydia Hanie, Madeleine Conti, and Kent Hanie. Sarah Ferree, Renee Wetli, and Molly Wenske were selected as alternates.

 

Also, congratulations to the following students for making the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra: Molly Wenske and Kent Hanie. You all make Starr's Mill proud!

 

 

Emily Goorsky (bass clarinetist) has been selected for membership by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).  The society recognizes the top scholars in the nation and invites ONLY those students who have achieved superior academic excellence.  NSHSS has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving young people since its inception just four years ago.  Congratulations, Emily!

 

Percussion section leader Michael Benedetti was elected to the third highest office in the State Association at the annual state conclave of the Associated DeMolay Chapters of Georgia.  Michael is the current Chapter Master Councilor of the Peachtree City Chapter.  DeMolay, an international organization for young men, utilizes local chapters as a "laboratory" setting for members to learn leadership skills, public speaking, time management and financial management.  It also offers an expansive social and athletic program.  Well done, Michael!

 

Anna L. Glaeser, a colorguard member, has received a prestigious national honor. She has been selected for membership by the National Society of High School Scholars. The society recognizes top scholars at the high school level and has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships since its inception 4 years ago. The society is chaired by Claes Nobel, a senior member of the Swedish Nobel family. Congratulations, Anna!

 

Boy Scouts:  A group of Boy Scouts from Troop 75 headed to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico this summer for a rigorous 11-day, 56-mile hike in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in the Rockies. Among them were Starr's Mill band students Jim Jensen (trumpet) and Nate Shepherd (snare line).  They, along with Nate's Dad, Rich, who was an adult crew leader, trained for several months for the physically demanding trek.  Outstanding, guys!

 

Girl Scouts:  Two SMHS Band women were honored in a formal ceremony with the Girl Scout Silver Award in January. This is the highest award a Girl Scout can receive between 11-14 years of age.  Lauren Powell’s award was achieved by coordinating the International Festival for Girl Scout Service Unit #617 in 2006.  Aimee Herrmann fulfilled her Silver Award requirements by coordinating the Service Unit Fall Camp Out in 2006.  Congratulations, Lauren and Aimee!