A combined Callanan Middle School choir concert culminated in a standing ovation and celebration of longtime middle school vocal music and handbells teacher Rebecca Langholz. She served at Hoyt and Callanan middle schools for 18 years. She also worked as the district’s Vocal Music PLC facilitator and All-City facilitator for several years. This was her final performance before retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Her labor of love this year grew into a choir concert featuring performances by each grade level, a combined performance by the 7th and 8th-grade choirs, and the special Callanan Middle School (CMS) Choir, made up of students who attend before-school rehearsals throughout the year (pictured in the album wearing black shirts). Songs included “You’re Welcome” from Moana, a selection from Les Misérables, and many other well-known, student-friendly hits.

At the end of the concert, Callanan principal Ryan Sharp presented Langholz with flowers and talked to the audience about her career and achievements. Langholz thanked Callanan parents and guardians for supporting their children in the exploration of music.

“Thank you to families for supporting their students in all their musical endeavors,” she said. “And to the students—thank you for sharing your energy, wonder, and enthusiasm with us all! Always remember to be kind and keep singing!!!”

The CMS choir surprised Langholz on Tuesday before school with a special rendition of “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong they organized by themselves.