I recently received this great message from Dr. David Ashcraft, MENC Life Member, Past President of AzMEA, and Past Editor of AZ Music News. He writes:
"During my 33 years as Choral Director at Sahuaro High School in Tucson, Arizona, I was privileged to teach a number of brilliantly talented students, many having gained positive notoriety since graduating. Five former students immediatel
y come to mind:"Danyelle Bossardet – A singer, dancer, actor, choreographer and director throughout high school, Danyelle participated in Sahuaro musical theatre productions, playing the role of Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. A graduate of the University of Arizona Theatre Arts Department, Danielle has appeared in numerous shows in the United States and Canada, most recently charming audiences as Belle in the American national touring company production of Beauty and the Beast.
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Ben Crawford – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Ben was highly involved on stage as well as on the volleyball court. He played the role of Tevye in Sahuaro’s Fiddler on the Roof that led to other musical theatre pursuits. A graduate of the University of Arizona Theatre Arts Department, Ben has followed his dream by recently accepting the parts of Factory Foreman and understudy for Jean Valjean and Javert in the Broadway production of Les Miserables."
Shawn James – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble, Shawn handled the role of Mayor Shinn in Sahuaro’s production of My Fair Lady. He also competed as a member of the school’s varsity basketball team. Shawn graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis where he sang in the Glee Club, participating in several performances including concerts at the White House. Following the completion of his career as a Naval Intelligence Officer where he served on active duty as director of intelligence for the Naval Special Warfare Development, he was appointed group vice president of maritime security and domain awareness for Lockheed-Martin prior to working for BAE Systems North America as president of Business Development for the Technology Solutions Sector."Steve McLaughlin – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir and Ad
vanced Vocal Ensemble, Steve also appeared in school productions in the roles of Arab in West Side Story and Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma. A standout on the school’s football team, he went on to serve as place kicker for the University of Arizona Wildcats. Steve set several school records, received All-Pac 10 and All-American honors and helped the team to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the University of Miami. He was later named to the Lindy’s Collegiate Team of the Decade. As the top place kicker in the nation, the broadcast journalism major received the coveted Lou Groza Award and was subsequently drafted by the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. Also a kicker for the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, Steve ended his football career with the Arena Football League where he captured leading scorer honors prior to retiring. He was later inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Off the field, Steve’s passion for music has manifested itself in his continued association with Pet the Fish, a rock band he formed in college for which he has served as lead singer and guitarist. The band enjoyed touring the Western United States and once opened for Dave Matthews. Steve said he always had a favorite tune running through his head as he envisioned the ball splitting the uprights."
Paul Whitthorne – A member of the Sahuaro Concert Choir, Advanced Vocal Ensemble and varsity soccer team (where he captured a state championship) Paul had leading roles in school productions including Freddy in My Fair Lady, the title role in Snoopy and Tony in West Side Story. Continuing on to UCLA’s renowned Film and Theatre School, he subsequently received theatrical training as part of Julliard’s Group 24. Having starred in Young Riders and Critters 4, Paul appeared as Bradley in Guiding Light as well as in several other television shows and commercials. Broadway credits include The Tempest. His extensive Off-Broadway work has included the New York Shakespeare Festival at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre where he shared the stage with Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart. "Thank you, Dr. Ashcraft! If you have a "Famous Student Story" to share, please email it to ElizabethL@menc.org.
It's another busy week here at MENC, so that's it from me today. Onward! -- EWL
