Led by Kristin Risedorph, the fifth grade chorus has received a gold rating from NYSSMA Majors. The festival was held at Wallkill High School on May 12, 2025.

According to NYSSMA, a gold award represents organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in each of the evaluative categories for all three of their song selections. 

This was the school’s 14th year participating in the festival. When asked about this great achievement, student Adrian Doenges said, “I think our performance was phenomenal.” 

Doenges shared that his favorite song to perform was “Wind on the Hill” by Mary Goetze. The chorus also performed “By the Sea” by Juliet Hess and “When I Sing” by Leeann Starkey. 

“I’m always excited and pleased to see the kids lock in to their work and feel the pride of accomplishment when we receive such a high rating.” said Risedorph. “Receiving this rating shows that our program is strong. We are small but mighty.”