Competing for the final time this season, the group placed first in Class 1A at the show choir event, with North Union placing second. Sumner-Fredericksburg was crowned the overall champion of the event.

The 16-member group includes soloists Denny Ehn, Maya Neverman, Levi Odor-Westrum, Cecilia Galvan, Nicole Moiser and Zach Midtling, along with four band members.

“I’m so incredibly proud of these students,” St. Edmond choir director Jacque Batz said. “They practice three mornings a week for 45 minutes. The students show up ready to work and even put in time outside of rehearsal.

“I have seen them all grow over this last season as leaders, musicians and overall people,” she added. “They are always willing to ask questions and help each other out, and they strive to be better. They give their all and have fun while performing, and I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.”

The group gathered bright and early on the day of the competition, making the 70-mile trek north to Emmetsburg. During the event, St. Edmond competed against all sizes of schools, receiving an overall ranking and a classification ranking.

Earlier this year, the Gaels were first at Indianola’s Jazz Encounter, as Neverman earned an outstanding soloist award. Midtling was also one of the students selected to the All-State Chorus back in November.

A planned coffeehouse event in May will conclude the season.