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Geneseo choir teacher helps student find her voice

The Geneseo middle schooler is now doing singing solos in competitions.

GENESEO, Ill. — It takes rhythm, practice and courage to sing in front of others. And for choir students at Geneseo Middle School, it also takes Miss Any Croft.

"She's kind and very smart and amazing in that way," explains seventh grader Shay Schehl. 

Shay is one voice preparing for a big choir competition, something before this year she'd never have the confidence to do.

"I had a few auditions where I would choke, and I couldn't quite get the notes out right," says Shay.

But before the competition even begins, Shay has an award to hand out. She nominated Miss Croft for the My Favorite Teacher Award. And out of almost 300 entries, Miss Croft won.

"Miss Croft, you're the most outstanding teacher I've ever met. I used to be shy singing in front of others. Miss Croft changed that. It's letting kids find their voices and be a part of something. She makes us feel special and let us shine. By giving her this award, we would be letting her shine. Geneseo Middle School choirs sing with one voice because of Miss Croft," writes Shay.

Shay is letting her voice be heard now. She's a soloist and the lead in the Music Guild. It's because of Miss Croft.

"She gave me a lot of confidence. She taught me how to stand and how it's okay to mess up in front of people," says Shay.

Miss Croft gives students that self assurance, a skill that didn't take Miss Croft long to find. It's her first year teaching.

"I wake up everyday and I say heck yeah, I get to see my kids! It's never like ugh, I have to go to school, I get to go to school. That`s awesome," says Miss Croft.

Using our skills, turning them into passions, that's what it takes to help others find their voice.

Both Shay and Miss Croft get a $50 Blackhawk Bank and Trust gift card and gift basket. 

Blackhawk Bank and Trust is a sponsor of the My Favorite Teacher Awards 2020.





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