Singing has been part of senior Kelly Campion’s life since she was a young child.

“I have been singing around the house when I was like two or three years old,” Campion said.

Campion has been singing for more than just herself since she was 4 years old, when she started singing for her church. That early love for music eventually led her to one of the highest honors a high school singer in Pennsylvania can achieve.

Campion recently qualified for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Chorus. To reach that level, she first had to advance through the district and regional levels.

“So out of our half of the state, she got the third-highest position in her section, which is pretty good,” music teacher Kris Tranter said.
Campion has been preparing rigorously for the state event.

“I would spend every day listening to songs and marking notes in my music, and I would always talk with my teachers,” Campion said.

This was Campion’s first year participating in the PMEA Chorus event.

“I never did because it always conflicted with the musical,” Campion said.

This year, Campion did both. She plays Doralee Rhodes in the musical 9 to 5, which runs Wednesday through Saturday in the auditorium.

As for PMEAs, Campion did not expect to reach the state level.

“I was shocked, especially since I’ve never done it before, and I was kind of learning things as I went,” Campion said.

Despite the nerves and challenges, the experience proved to be rewarding for her as both a singer and performer.

Campion encourages younger students to push themselves and stay committed if they want to reach the same level.

“Practice a lot, because that’s what helps you get far, and pay attention to the small details of the music,” Campion said.

Campion will continue to the All-State event, which will be held April 22-25 at Kahahari Resort in the Poconos.