West Morris Central Senior Named Theater's Student Of The Month

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Liyah Austin, come take the spotlight. The Mayo Performing Arts Center named the West Morris Central High School senior one of its students of the month.

This month, MPAC honored "Outstanding Vocalists" for its student awards. Teachers nominate students each month who get selected by the theater's education department based on commitment and excellence in the performing arts.

Austin received the nomination from Mark Stingle, who wrote the following:

"Liyah Austin is a senior in the WMC choral program who has achieved everything there is to achieve as a singer during her four years. An outstanding soprano, Liyah has auditioned into both Area Honors Choir (4) and All-State (2). This year, she was also accepted into the NAfME All-Eastern Choir to participate in a virtual event for students from all over the east coast. Besides her honors, Liyah is a strong vocal leader for every facet of our own choral program.

"She is the co-leader of our treble acapella group, a section leader in both of our auditioned evening choirs (SSAA and SATB) and she has been a soloist for annual concerts featuring Handel's Messiah. Liyah is an inspiring soprano for all of our singers and she takes the time to help them with her experience and love of singing. Liyah will be attending TCNJ to study pre-med while hopefully singing in any groups she can find!"

MPAC typically honors students onstage before an event. The theater paused the tradition because of pandemic restrictions but believes it remains important to continue recognizing local students' achievements. Each winner will receive a certificate and will appear on the Student of the Month page on MPAC's website.

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