The Highlands School choir, singing up a storm at the state TAPPS competition.

Irving, Texas. May 3, 2009. – On April 17th, The Highlands School choir topped nineteen other choirs to win first place for Division 3A at the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) State Vocal and Instrumental Competition. The choral competition was held at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.

The competition was divided into specific categories: 11 solos, 3 pop ensembles, 5 small ensembles, 2 large ensembles, and 1 sight reading.

The Highlands School was neck-and-neck against Ovilla Christian until the final victory. Both schools ended up winning high scores that were unprecedented in previous TAPPS competitions.

The judging was administered by college professors. Two Highlands soloists, Charlotte Ward and Mary Fougerousse, were given “superior” marks.  Upon hearing Mary´s voice, her judge suggested she attend Hardin Simmons in the future and major in music. 

Highlands choir director Karen Ward said, “Our experience was bathed in prayer and scripture – not just this week but throughout the year.  If you ask the students, they will tell you it was the Scriptures that guided us. On Friday morning, Elizabeth Rudolph came to me and said, ‘Maybe we could pray a rosary on the way to Hardin Simmons....I mean, it might be a good idea...I´m just saying…you know it might help.’ She ended up leading the rosary.”

Sophomore Kelly Ward recalls, “The competition was very rigorous so at the end of the day when we received first place, we were grateful that our hard work paid off!”

Established in 1986, The Highlands School is a Catholic college-preparatory school. Offering grades Pre-K through 12th, the mission of The Highlands School is to provide the highest quality education and integral formation of the student as a well-rounded mature youth of character and integrity. Personalized attention from faculty, staff, and religious provides each student with the maximum opportunity for growth.