The Bolivar High School choir program traveled to New York City from April 8th to 12th to participate in a prestigious National Choral Festival, culminating in a performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall on Saturday, April 11.

Twenty BHS students joined a select mass choir of nearly 200 singers, collaborating with prominent high school and college programs from across the United States. The festival featured a diverse repertoire of American spirituals and traditional South African songs, led by two distinguished conductors: Dr. Cameron LaBarr (Missouri State University) and Dr. Michael Barrett (University of Pretoria, South Africa).

"I am so proud of our BHS students for working hard to make this exciting trip possible," said Morgan DeClue, BHS Choir Director. "As always, the Bolivar community has been so supportive of our program. We are very appreciative of all who helped make this trip a reality. We were all changed for the better after taking part in this trip."

For the seniors in the ensemble, the trip served as a definitive highlight of their high school careers.

"Getting to sing at Carnegie Hall was one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had," said senior Hannah Watkins. "It was so much fun to sing different songs with people from around the country. It’s a trip I won’t ever forget."

Senior Dillon Todd added, "Meeting Dr. Barrett and Dr. LaBarr was amazing; they taught us so much. We all became such good friends by the end of the trip."

The following students represented Bolivar High School on the international stage: Alexa Aldridge, Ella Astone, Sherri Baird, Anna Bly, Phillip Bly, Logan Brown, Kaydence Craven, Mylee Holm, Peyton Kobel, Tinsley Miller, John Mosley, Luke Patterson, Emma Presley, Luke Roker, Lydia Tilley, Sophia Tilley, Dillon Todd, Lydia Warwick, Addison Watkins, Hannah Watkins.