Local Girl Scout earns gold award with musical extravaganza
Three hundred students, 500-plus parents, administrators and community members enjoyed the "Sleigh Bells Ring" musical extravaganza in December at the Burlington Central High School.
Lexi Rath, a high school senior and Ambassador Girl Scout at Central, planned, coordinated and supervised the event as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Lexi has been a Girl Scout for 11 years and is a member of Girl Scouts Northern Illinois - Apache Service Unit - Troop 559.
Lexi's passion for music inspired her to showcase the vocal and instrumental students at Central High School while addressing the limited seating issue at the school's auditorium.
"Sleigh Bells Ring" not only showcased nine different musical groups but also provided activities for the entire family.
Kids and adults alike enjoyed the craft corner, the vendor/craft fair and horse-drawn sleigh rides. In between concerts, everyone savored Italian food while trying out various instruments at the musical petting zoo.
Lexi began her project over a year ago and was thrilled with its success. "Sleigh Bells Ring" was truly a community event with local businesses, alumni and parents all coming together to enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer and music.
The gym was packed with people listening to 100-plus student choruses and wind ensembles while the auditorium rocked to the jazz band and chorale performances.
The middle of the day was highlighted by an "All Sing" with traditional holiday songs and kids playing their instruments made from recycled materials.
Lexi said, "I hope that District 301 continues this tradition with the community. There are a few points we can improve on regarding timing of events but hopefully, it will get bigger and better every year!" Lexi has created a blueprint for this type of event and dreams that other schools and organizations will follow her lead. Music and arts are essential for a well-rounded education and it is Lexi's aspiration that more students will begin and continue in the music programs at all nearby schools.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a girl can earn in Girl Scouts. A brief summary of the event can be viewed on YouTube.com at youtu.be/oDvS0AuDm9k or if you are interested in developing a similar program more information can be obtained from Lexi at colmkr@aol.com.