Students at Windy Hill Middle School (WHMS) will hold a benefit concert tonight to support families of students killed and injured in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County last week.
“Originally slated to be a small, one-night concert featuring traditional choral music, the Spring Sing has evolved into an event to foster hope and do what the Wolf Pack does best, help our community,’’ said Michael Tarquine, artistic director of the school’s fine arts programs.
The concert is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Feb. 22. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. Children age 5 and younger are free. All proceeds will be donated to the shooting victims and their families.
The concert will be streamed live on the school’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WindyHillWolves/. Donations can be made online through a Go Fund Me page set up by the school at gf.me/u/gxcvh4.
Students came up with the idea for the concert two days after the Feb. 14 tragedy. It aligns with the vision statement established two years ago by the WHMS Power Choirs and Theatre WHMS: “Strengthening our community through passion, leadership and the arts.” Since then, it has been the mission of the programs to use art to make a positive impact on the school and the community.
“The fact that this was a student-driven suggestion proves that these students have embraced and truly live this philosophy, and I could not be more proud of them,” Tarquine said.
The 150 singers of the WHMS Power Choirs will be joined by East Ridge High School Choral Director Jason Miser; one of his students, Montana Mitchell; and local community singer Judyann Veith. The concert will be hosted by WHMS Assistant Principal Tara Hatch. Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell is expected to attend.
“Our students are very charitable,’’ Principal William Roberts said. “During the winter season, they donated more than 5,000 items to families in the area. Any time there is a need, our students latch onto it. This is something they wanted to do. It is student driven. When the students are driving, we make it happen for them. I am very proud of them.”
