Group of students dressed in black concert attire posing in front of a wood-paneled wall, with two inset photos showing a choir performing onstage.

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) recently sent 11 students to the Southern Region Honor Choirs as a part of the 2026 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Region Conference, held in Memphis, Tennessee.

The ACDA Southern Region encompasses 11 states, with hundreds of students in grades 4–12 auditioning each year for a limited number of ensemble positions. To qualify, students submit recordings of a required audition piece, which are evaluated by adjudicators who select the highest scoring performers across the region.

Selected PWCS students performed in advanced honor choirs under the direction of nationally respected guest conductors and collaborated with talented peers from across the South—an experience that reflects the highest level of choral achievement for student musicians.

"Earning a place in these prestigious ensembles is a significant achievement that reflects each student’s dedication, musical skill, and commitment to excellence,” shared Dr. Annamarie Bollino, supervisor of the arts. “This honor recognizes not only the students’ hard work and passion for choral music, but also the strong instruction and support they receive from their teachers and school communities. It is exciting to see our students represent PWCS on such a distinguished stage."

Congratulations to the following students:

Brentesville District High School

Director: Anna Balchunas

  • Michael Winsock, grade 9, Junior High SATB Honor Choir 

Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School

Directors: Keri Staley, Scott Oden

  • Ysabella Nicastro, grade 10, Senior High SSAA Honor Choir
  • Madelyn Byrne, grade 12, Senior High SSAA Honor Choir

Patriot High School

Director: Elizabeth Selby

  • Megan Bergeron, grade 11, Senior High SSAA Honor Choir
  • Anthony Bodner, grade 11, Senior High TTBB Honor Choir
  • Lianna Cruz, grade 11, Senior High SSAA Honor Choir
  • Cameron McGee, grade 11, Senior High TTBB Honor Choir
  • Vaughn Schweitzer, grade 11, Senior High TTBB Honor Choir
  • Beckett Wesol, grade 11, Senior High TTBB Honor Choir
  • Grant Williams, grade 12, Senior High TTBB Honor Choir

Rippon Middle School

Directors: Daniel Cabrejos, Julia Pazmino

  • Danielle Odom, grade 7, Junior High SATB Honor Choir

Julia Stubbs and Danny Cabrejos, choral teachers at Rippon Middle School, shared a common sentiment, “Danielle Odom’s accomplishment is outstanding, and we could not be more proud of her,” they said. “Danielle worked incredibly hard to perfect her audition, demonstrating both discipline and passion every step of the way. Her performance was fantastic, and her commitment to music continues to inspire those around her.”

Participation in the ACDA Southern Region Honor Choirs offers students a rare opportunity to collaborate with exceptional young musicians from across the South, learn from master teachers, and perform in a professional conference setting. This distinction stands among the highest honors for student singers and reflects the dedication of students, families, and music educators who champion artistic excellence in schools.