SEBASTIAN — In a milestone for Sebastian Charter Junior High School, eighth-grader Hoxie Mahan has become the first student in the school’s history to be selected for Florida’s All-State Choir, joining 300 top middle school singers from across the state for a prestigious event in Tampa.
The gathering, held from Jan. 14 to 17, brought together the best young vocal talents for rehearsals and performances, wrapping up with a public concert at the Tampa Convention Center. Mahan, who auditioned against hundreds of peers, showcased the school’s emerging choral program.
The SCJH Choir earned the Middle School Enrollment Award for its achievements and impressive participation rates among students. The honor shows how the group has quickly become a standout ensemble since its launch at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
School officials tell Sebastian Daily the choir’s success stems from fostering a supportive environment in which every student has the ability to thrive.
“One of the most exciting things is building a choir program where students are motivated to challenge themselves by trying new things. It is a wonderful life lesson that they can apply once they leave our classroom,” choir director Ethan Kinkle said.
Administrators, teachers, and staff at Sebastian Charter Junior High have thrown their full support behind the initiative, providing aid and encouragement that have spurred its rapid rise.