Clarkston — Students of Everest Collegiate High School and Academy were recently chosen to sing at the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass on Jan. 29 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.

“The students at Everest Collegiate are thrilled for this opportunity to sing at the cathedral for Catholic Schools Week,” said Aileen Cronin, choir director at Everest.

This experience is not new to junior Katherine Espin, who has sung before large crowds at least several times before, including at the Michigan Opera Theatre’s Detroit Opera House.

“I loved singing with the Detroit Opera House as a member of the children’s choir for two years,” Espin said.

Espin said when she first arrived at Everest, she was adjusting to the new school environment “and did not do much performing for a while.”

“I first got involved with Everest’s arts program when I sang for the senior graduation ceremony last year,” she said, crediting Everest for her increased confidence both as a sing/performer and as a person.

She expressed hope that she will also be in the school’s spring musical, “Mary Poppins,” and is currently practicing for her audition with fellow junior Bradley Mansour.

Cronin said the cathedral music director, Joe Balistreri, “has been wonderful working with us” as the choir gets ready for the Mass.

“When we first auditioned we thought it would be a slim chance that we would be chosen,” she said. “We are so complimented and excited!”

 

Catholic Schools Mass 2015

When: Thursday, Jan. 29, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202

Learn more: Call the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic Schools office at (313) 237-4661 or email [email protected].