Belton ISD is celebrating the talent and hard work of 28 high school choir students who recently earned spots in the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Choir. 

“This is a huge accomplishment for these students and their directors,” said Keith Zuehlke, director of fine arts. “This recognition represents dedication and a huge time commitment to learning and perfecting their tryout music.”

The students, who auditioned last week, were judged anonymously and ranked alongside students from across Region 8. 

Belton High School had 12 students selected, with six advancing to the Pre-Area competition in November. Lake Belton High School had 16 students selected, with five advancing to Pre-Area. 

Students selected for the All-Region Choir include: Dallas Costine, Kentre King, Kacy Olson, Noely Martinez-Ramirez, Katie Millington, Jessie Norvell, Salma Sanchez, Maverick Shepherd, Sarrah Townsend, Jezy Vazquez, Tyler Waldrep and Gavin Young from BHS; and 

Maranda Armstrong, Sophia Campos, Joaquin Garza, Erin Hankins, Anna James, Josue Martinez, Spencer Martin, Erik Martin, Pate Palomino, Karianna Powell, Jordan Powell, Lauren Price, Abigail Ptaszek, Zachary Reyes, Derek Toledo and Jack Tucker from LBHS.

For the Pre-Area audition, students will have to learn three new songs and be prepared for a sightreading component.

Those advancing to the Pre-Area competition are: Martinez-Ramirez, Millington, Norvell, Shepherd, Vazquez, Young, Erik Martin, Karianna Powell, Jordan Powell, Price and Ptaszek.

Tonya Lovorn is the head choir director at BHS. Terrance Livingston is the head choir director at LBHS.

The All-Region Choir will perform a concert on Nov. 17 at University High School in Waco.