Cheverus jazz choirs bring home awards from state jazz competition

Two jazz vocal groups from Cheverus High School won awards last weekend at the Maine High School State Vocal Jazz Festival in Ellsworth. Under the direction of Music Director Christopher Humphrey, the Cheverus Jazz Singers brought home a third place trophy in their division. The a capella jazz group, Soulstice, won second place as well as a Gold Award for excellence in their separate division.

South Portland junior Hannah Johnston, Yarmouth senior Erin Fitzpatrick, Gorham senior Ian Lawson, and Portland junior Christian Cilley were also recognized as outstanding soloists, selected by festival judges. Cheverus singers earned half the awards given to individual singers.

Cheverus students selected to attend Seeds of Peace camp

Six Cheverus High School students have been selected to join others from across the world to attend the Seeds of Peace International Camp, located on Pleasant Lake, in Otisfield. The camp provides a three-week conflict resolution program where the students will address the issues that fuel hatred, violence and oppression.

Students live together in bunks, share meals, play sports, and engage in group sessions about their political conflict facilitated by adult counselors.

The Cheverus students are Caroline George, sophomore, of Limington, Anna Niedermeyer, sophomore, of Buxton, Eva Niedermeyer, sophomore, of Buxton, Nicholas Jensen, junior, of Kennebunk, Lisette Labbe, junior, of Limerick, and Katherine Randall, junior, of South Portland.

The Seeds of Peace program was founded in 1993 by journalist John Wallach. The mission of the organization is to inspire and equip new generations of leaders from regions of conflict with the relationships, understanding, and skills needed to advance lasting peace.