Diocesan parish school to close
DENMARK — After much prayerful discernment and the support of the parish and diocesan leadership, it has been announced that All Saints Catholic School, Denmark, has made the difficult decision to close its doors, effective July 1, 2025.
Over the last several years, school leaders said they have ”witnessed a significant challenge in retaining students once they entered grades 1 through 8.”
This enrollment challenge, coupled with the increasing financial burden of maintaining the school, “has placed a tremendous strain on parish resources,” said Fr. Xavier Amirtham in his announcement.
After carefully reviewing all options and considering the long-term financial challenges and realities, school leadership stated that the current school model is not sustainable.
In the announcement, they stated: “As a community of believers, in these early days of the Easter season, let us hold the teachers, staff, students, families and the All Saints Parish community in our prayers during this time of transition.”
Xavier student wins first-place at New York City vocal competition
APPLETON — Four area singers placed in the Anselmo Academy Music Competition in New York City on March 9, including one from Xavier High School in Appleton.
Competing against violinists, pianists and other musically accomplished youth, the local singers took home nearly $2,000 in prize awards and an invitation to perform at the prestigious winner’s concert in Steinway Hal in New Yorkl.
The Badger State Girl Choir announced the following results:
- Victoria Lopez (Xavier High School, Appleton), first place
- Alayna Garrity (Neenah High School ’24), second place
- Ayla Peterson (Brillion High School), second place
- Abby Meyer (Chilton High School), third place
The students competed at the Bloomington School of Music in New York City for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform in a “Winner’s Concert” at Steinway Hall in New York on March 30.
Each singer was required to perform multiple works in front of a panel of three professional judges. The International Competition is designed to support and recognize young musicians as they pursue their studies in music.
The Badger State Girl Choir is a premiere community music education program for young singers, with about 160 girls participating in five performing choirs.
The singers represent dozens of schools and homeschool programs across northeast Wisconsin.
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, Badger State Music supports and sponsors the musical interests of local students, including an annual collegiate scholarship for girls interested in pursuing a degree in music education, music therapy, music performance or general music studies. For more information, see badgerstategirlchoir.org.
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