🎤 Spartan Singers Win WASH-FM Competition, Send Record 11 Students to All-State

The Laurel High School Spartan Singers are celebrating a major victory after winning WASH-FM's Christmas Choir Competition, earning $5,000 that will help send 11 of their students to the prestigious Maryland All-State Chorus. The contest win required the Laurel community to rally—and rally they did, with support from the Mayor, City Council members, and hundreds of local voters.

The $5,000 prize comes at a perfect time. This year, a record-breaking 11 Laurel students have been selected for All-State Chorus—the most in the school's history. One is a freshman who also plays varsity football and will attend Junior All-State, while the other 10 will participate in Senior All-State. It's a remarkable leap from just three years ago, when only two Laurel students made All-State for the first time in school history.

The Spartan Singers' success extends far beyond this contest. Twenty-seven students were selected for the PG County Honors Chorus this year, up from 22 last year and just 10 the year before. Several of their performance videos have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, growing their social media following by 10,000 in recent months. Their winter concert this year drew a full house—a dramatic change from years past.

Perhaps the program's most notable alumna is Lorraine Hamlet, who started with the Spartan Singers in 2018 and is now performing on Broadway in Hell's Kitchen. She remains connected to Laurel, recently Zooming in during Arts Week to inspire current students with her journey from the Spartan Singers stage to Broadway.

Director Kevin Lewis, a Prince George's County native and Morgan State University graduate who came to Laurel High in 2018, credits the students for their success. "People hear my name a lot, but I'm not who I am if I don't have students willing to work and with the talent to get us to this point," he says.

The contest victory highlights the importance of community support for arts programs, which face funding challenges statewide. "We just want to make sure people don't forget it's important to support the arts—they're doing a lot of good things to put our students in a positive light," Lewis explains.

The Spartan Singers will perform the entire 10:30 AM service this Sunday, December 22nd, at Emanuel United Methodist Church (6517 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228). It's a rare opportunity to hear the award-winning ensemble in an intimate setting, free and open to the public.

The choir will also perform December 27th at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner, where they'll receive their $5,000 prize check.

After the holidays, the Spartan Singers continue preparing for college auditions, county assessments, and spring performances. With 11 students headed to All-State, a Broadway alumna inspiring the next generation, and a community rallying behind them, the Spartan Singers are proof of what's possible when talent meets opportunity.

SEE THE SPARTAN SINGERS: Sunday, December 21, 10:30 AM Emanuel United Methodist Church 6517 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 Free and open to the public

Krampus Nightmare at Laurel Haunt 📅 7 PM to 10 PM 📍 Laurel’s House of Horrors, 904 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | Think the holidays are all sugar plums and candy canes? Think again. The Laurel Haunt is bringing back Krampus Nightmare for those who prefer their December with a little more... darkness. This holiday horror experience isn't for the faint of heart!

A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio 📅 2 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Experience the timeless music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" performed live by the Eric Byrd Trio! The beloved Vince Guaraldi jazz score comes to life in this special holiday performance. Perfect for jazz lovers and Charlie Brown fans alike!

Flash Mob Swing Dance 📅 12 PM to 1 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Surprise! A flash mob swing dance is happening! Whether you join in or just watch the fun, this spontaneous dance celebration is sure to bring smiles. Keep your eyes open—you never know where it might pop up!

Menorah Lighting & "The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop!" 📅 5 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Celebrate Hanukkah with community! Join for the menorah lighting ceremony followed by "The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop"—a fun tradition where chocolate coins rain down for children to collect. Music, latkes, and holiday joy for all!

Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope 📅 5 PM 📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 7607 Old Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD | A service of remembrance and hope for those experiencing grief during the holidays. The holiday season isn't joyful for everyone—this gentle, contemplative service offers comfort and community for those who need it most.

Thanks for reading this special edition. Your votes in the WASH-FM competition sent a powerful message to these students that Laurel believes in them. Now I'm asking you to show up one more time. This Sunday at 10:30 AM, hear the award-winning Spartan Singers at Emanuel United Methodist Church (6517 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228). It's free, and these students deserve a full house.

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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