NORTH PORT, Fla. (WWSB) – The show must go on, and in this case, that’s exactly what happened.
Students in the advanced women’s choir from North Port High School determined not to let a recent setback derail their performance.
And in the end, their hard work paid off.
They brought home the gold, proving their resilience both on and off the stage.
“I’m just super excited as a VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) school, I’m very proud of the work they put in and the performance they did,” said North Port High School principal Ryan Shurley.
The all-women’s choir took the stage in Atlanta, blending their voices and competing against 23 other high schools in the Southern Star Music Festival.
Students stepped up in a big way, including senior Emma Kisseberth, making her debut as conductor.
“I was a little freaked out because the only conducting experience that I have is being an assistant drum major in marching band, and the conducting style is very different, so I had to just work with what I knew,” Kisseberth said.
The group performed two pieces, pouring weeks of preparation into every note. Then came the moment of truth!
“I didn’t think it could have gone any other way because of how amazing they are, but I was also very excited for them and thrilled for them,” said Dr. Agnes Pelopida.
It’s a victory that means more than just a trophy.
“It was surreal, I would say. We went up there, did it for us. Did it for North Port. A lot of emotions went into those songs, and we came out as winners,” said senior Kyla Graham.
During uncertainty and unexpected change, these students found their voice and each other.
“When we won, I started crying and screaming because I was so excited that we actually got to do that,” said sophomore Amelia Bonds.
Their hard work is paying off, proving what’s possible when you push through adversity.
Copyright 2026 WWSB. All rights reserved.