By Patricia Fontejon

Imogene Mitchell stands in front of a crowd of people during the Choir Spring Concert. The spotlight dims on her, so she is the only one who people can see. With a microphone in one hand, she sings “Problems” by Ariana Grande, her eyes shifting from each person in the crowd until she finally reaches her friends and family.

Choir has always been an important part of Imogene Mitchell’s life. In fact, she often sees it as an extension of her identity as singing is not only a part of her academic career, but also central to her extracurriculars as well.

“Growing up I was definitely a shy kid who couldn’t be in front of an audience at all,” Mitchell said. “Even though I was shy, I still enjoyed singing when I was a toddler. I would always just sing to people which is also a part of my culture, being Filipino. To break out of my shell, I started taking dancing classes, singing lessons, and theater. After taking these classes I learned to open up my voice, and that my voice is valid and something people should hear.”

Now, Mitchell’s passion for choir thrives within the school setting, where she holds the role of choir president and captain for Happily Ever After, one of the acapella groups on campus. As part of her responsibilities, she holds meetings every Wednesday to understand the needs and goals of the choir students. Through these meetings, she has become a guiding voice, rallying her peers to make important decisions about the program itself.

She also takes the lead in organizing choir’s participation in events such as the 8th grade Open House, where she and Happily Ever After welcomed potential incoming freshmen and their parents, providing them with insights into musical theory and vocal technique. Additionally, she helps organize activities such as summer boot camps for Chamber Singers and G-Notes, along with a Halloween retreat for students in all of the choirs.

Beyond her leadership in choir, Mitchell has embraced her role in show choir, G-notes, where she has taken on the task of selecting costumes to fit their specific theme, “Trials of Friendship.” She meets with the group twice a week after school for two-hour rehearsals and further practices with Happily Ever After during gap periods on Tuesdays. The position of president has been instated for as long as the Choir Department at GHC has been around.

The role of Choir President has always existed, but in the last four years, it has evolved into a more hands-on student leadership experience. In her first year in the position, Mitchell is navigating new challenges. She leads discussions about events they will perform at, costuming, and overseeing their board of officers. Though new to the role and facing uncharted waters, Mitchell believes she couldn’t have done it without her peers and the community surrounding her.

“Being a leader this year has only deepened my connection to the choir community,” Mitchell said. “I love working with my peers and the incredible blend of voices and all the talent surrounding me is immense. I’m so grateful to be around this amazing family that has a passion for singing. Community is special to me because I’m trying to foster the idea that we are all in it together.”

Mitchell’s dedication to both her leadership role and musical craft has not gone unnoticed. Recently as a commemoration of her hard work, she was nominated for the Posse Scholarship, an honor recognizing students for their outstanding leadership skills, academic excellence, and commitment to community service.

Out of over 17,000 students, the scholarship provides recipients with full-tuition awards to partner colleges and universities, as well as ongoing support through a peer-led cohort model. Choir teacher Dr. Desiree Balfour was the one to recommend her in recognition of the hard work she sees Mitchell put in each week.

This nomination has helped reinforce Mitchell’s passion for both music and leadership. The nomination is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

“When people mention my name, they think of choir and singing,” Mitchell said. “I remember auditioning in middle school, not knowing where I would go from high school, especially coming out of Covid and having to make all new friends. But this community has been so accepting, and everything I’ve worked for feels validated. I can’t wait to see where it goes throughout the school year and even after I graduate.”