Alumni
Class of 2022
We have 7 incredible seniors that we will be featuring as graduation approaches. The class of 2022 includes Bayleigh Batchelor, Grace Greenwood, Helena Jauregui, Janie Dunwell, Katie Ann Hites, Tatum Courington, and William Stoll.
Class of 2022 Week 2: Bayleigh Batchelor
Bayleigh Batchelor is a leader in her school and community. The St. Luke’s Episcopal School senior has accepted Academic Excellence and Choral Music scholarships from the University of Southern Mississippi. Bailey plans to study choral music education and vocal performance at USM. She is the daughter of Sean and Leigh Batchelor.
In addition to seven seasons with Mobile’s Singing Children, Bayleigh has also been involved on the campus of St. Luke’s Episcopal School in the following ways: SLES Robotics, St. Luke’s Center Stage, St. Luke’s Chapel Band, St. Luke’s Upper School Choir, All-State Choral Festival (5 years), Trumbauer Theatre Festival (2 years), National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Rho Kappa National Honors Society, Headmaster’s List
Bayleigh has had opportunities to prepare for her future career teaching choral music as Choral Assistant at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Chorister and Adult Choir Programs), and Monitor/Assistant for Preparatory and Intermezzo Choirs. She has been a Vacation Bible School volunteer at Christ United Methodist Church and a Boy Scouts summer camp assistant.
“May the Road Rise to Meet You” is Bayleigh’s favorite MSC selection to perform and she says that St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is her most memorable performance and venue.
To younger singers, Bayleigh says, “Keep singing! There is something so pure about a community coming together and creating music, especially when what is achieved reaches the hearts of those within and around the choir. I will miss everything MSC has ever given me, from close friends to exciting tours and concerts, but I will always cherish the impact Mrs. Hoitt has had on me throughout all these years. I feel like all of my knowledge, understanding, and adoration for choral music has stemmed from her passion and professionalism for such an incredible art form. Under her direction, I feel confident that I will be able to pursue higher levels of music education with the experience I have had in Mobile’s Singing Children.”
Congratulations, Bayleigh! Your MSC family wishes you the very best!
Class of 2022 Week 1: Grace Greenwood
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School’s senior class president, Grace Greenwood is a 12-year member of Mobile’s Singing Children. Grace is the daughter of Stephanie and Pat Greenwood and is Mobile County’s 2022 Distinguished Young Woman.
Grace is a leader and achiever at her high school and in the community. Her school involvement includes National Honor Society, president of the chamber singers, and soprano section leader for chamber singers. She is an AP scholar, as well as a Saint Aquinas scholar.
In the community, Grace uses her time and talents as a cantor for St. Dominic, St. Matthew’s, and St. Ignatius parishes. She is also the secretary for the Junior League of Mary.
Grace has received academic and music scholarships from the University of Southern Mississippi and Belmont University, as well as scholarships from the Distinguished Young Woman program. She has chosen to attend Belmont and major in music education.
Throughout her twelve year journey with MSC, Grace has made many memories and friends. She says that the 40th anniversary tour to New York City is her favorite memory from MSC. “Magnificat” is her favorite piece of music to perform from the MSC repertoire.
Grace’s message to younger singers is this, “Hard work will ultimately rise above natural talent.” Grace says that what she will miss the most is the best friends she has made along the way, Katie Ann Hites and Janie Dunwell.
Class of 2020
To the Mobile’s Singing Children Class of 2020, we love each of you! Your many hours and years of commitment to Mobile’s Singing Children has not gone unnoticed! While this year has not ended the way we had hoped, we want to honor you.
Each week, a new senior will be featured on our Facebook page and here on our website.
Week 5: Nathan Love
Nathan Love says that his favorite MSC performance is his first performance at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception three years ago. Nathan is the son of Brooke Persons and Kelly Love and is the valedictorian for the Moffett Road Christian School Class of 2020.
During his high school years, Nathan has participated in the following organizations:
Scholar’s Bowl 2016-18, Alabama All State Choir 2017, National Beta Club member, and member of Saraland Singers, 2016-18.
Nathan is a three-year member of Encore!. His involvement in the community includes many hours spent in rehearsals for the following community performing arts groups as a singer and an actor: Joe Jefferson Playhouse , Chickasaw Civic Theatre. Mobile Theatre Guild, and the Mobile Opera. Nathan is very involved on the campus of Redemption Church where he has served as a summer worship intern and a volunteer worship leader. He has been a volunteer of mission trips to Japan and Puerto Rico with his church and is a member of the Redemption Church Student Ministry Leadership team. Nathan has also completed Student Leadership University 101, 201, 301. In 2019, Nathan was recognized with the Rising Star Award from Chickasaw Civic Theatre.
In the fall, Nathan will attend the University of Mobile where he has been awarded a Presidential Merit Scholarship and Alabama School of the Arts Scholarship. Nathan will earn his degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Nathan’s academic achievement and community involvement also earned him the University of South Alabama Freshman Admission Scholarship
“Enjoy yourself,” is the advice that Nathan leaves to MSC underclassmen. He says that he will miss touring with MSC most. Best of wishes to you, Nathan Love, and as your favorite MSC song says,
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Week 3: Tara Piggott
Tara Piggott’s years at Faith Academy have provided her many opportunities to represent her school, her community, her city and her family well. During her time at Faith Academy, Tara has been involved and often in leadership in the following campus activities: Student Government Association President, Senior Choir President, Chamber Singers, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society (Secretary), Faith Academy Robotics (Head of Marketing), Faith Club, Faith Academy Drama.
Tara is the daughter of Barbara & Joe Piggott and has been in Mobile’s Singing Children for 6 years. In addition to her MSC duties, Tara has also been very involved in the community. She was chosen to represent the city of Mobile as an Azalea Trail Maid and a member of the Oakleigh Belle Leadership Program, a member of the Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Krewe. She attends church at Corpus Christi where she is also a Sunday School teacher. She has also served as a counselor at Camp Smile. Tara is a Providence Hospital Teenage Volunteer, Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine volunteer, and a volunteer for the Mobile Area Special Olympics.
The following accolades have been awarded to Tara during her high school tenure:
Alabama Vocal Association Pat Blackwell Music Education Award, AVA District VII Outstanding Choral Student, USM Freshman Academic Excellence, USM Choral Service Award, Distinguished Young Women of Mobile Scholastic Achievement Award, Self Expression Award, Interview Award, Top 8 Finalist Award, 2nd place Community Service Award, 3rd place “Be Your Best Self” Essay Award, Air National Guard Chiefs Association Scholarship.
These scholarships will be used by Tara as she enters the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall, At USM, Tara will pursue a degree in music education.
Tara says that she has two favorite MSC songs. Her favorite from the concert choir repertoire is “Prayer of the Children”, and her favorite Encore! piece is “Remember Me.” When asked what her favorite venue that MSC has ever performed in, Tara stated: “St.Patrick’s Cathedral! The performance venue was absolutely breathtaking, and the acoustics were amazing!”
Reflecting on her experience with MSC, Tara stated,”One thing I will miss most about MSC is getting to work with Mrs.Hoitt. Her choir rehearsals are like no other, and I have learned so much from her over the years. She has truly helped shape me into the musician that I am today. To all of the younger singers– keep moving forward! Rehearsals may seem long, but one day you’ll miss getting to sing beside your friends in the choir room. (ps: don’t forget to practice your music!) “
Best Wishes, Tara! Your MSC family is proud of you!
Week 2: Ruth Harper
Davidson High School’s Ruth Harper is this week’s senior spotlight. Ruth is the daughter of Ben and Amanda Harper. As Ruth reflected on her nine-year journey with MSC, she stated that the 2017 performance at Carnegie Hall as her most memorable performance. “I Believe” is her most beloved piece of all MSC repertoire.
Ruth is a leader, not only in MSC, but also on campus at Davidson where she is yearbook Editor, a member of Wild Warriors, Sergeant at Arms in Model UN and a member of the National Honor Society. In her spare time, Ruth is also very involved in her church, Springhill Presbyterian Church. At, SPC, Ruth is an Elder and a member of both the choir and the youth group.
In the fall, Ruth will move to Auburn to attend Auburn University. She has received the following scholarships and academic awards: Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship, Board of Trustees Endowed Scholarship, Honor Roll, Academic Letter and, Academic Bar. Ruth plans to major in nursing and pursue a minor in Spanish.
To her underclassmen peers, Ruth offers this counsel: “Keep doing MSC. You’ll have your ups and your downs with it, but in the end, it will have provided you great experiences and some of the best friends you’ll ever meet.”
Thank you, Ruth, for your dedication to and leadership within MSC. Many blessings for your future!
Week 1: Mary Ferniany
“I will miss preparing for performances.I love the difference in how we sound when we first learn a piece of music and the mastery we have achieved for a performance,” senior concert chor and Encore! Student Mary states.
Mary is a senior at McGill-Toolen High School. She is the daughter of Ed and Ginger Ferniany. Mary has been a member of Mobile’s Singing Children for eight years. For four of these, she has served as an ambassador for MSC.
Mary serves as a volunteer at Holy Family Church. She is also involved on campus as a member of the Green Club, the Chemistry Club, and the Pride Club.
Mary will attend the University of Southern Mississippi in the fall where she will study music education. She has received a music talent scholarship and will continue singing as a member of USM music ensembles.
The Carnegie Hall performance in 2017 is Mary’s favorite performance memory from MSC. Of the many pieces that MSC performs, “Homeland” is Mary’s favorite.
As Mary prepares for her future, she leaves these encouraging words for underclassmen choir members “Pay attention during rehearsal! Mrs. Hoitt can teach you so much!”
Thank you, Mary for representing Mobile’s Singing Children so well! Many blessings to you and for your future.
