By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Northborough – According to her three older brothers, Robert E. Melican Middle School student Megan Keller has been singing since she could talk. For most of her life singing was just a leisure pursuit until, in sixth grade, chorus teacher Katherine Getchell instilled in her an enthusiasm for singing that turned the soccer player in to a genuine singer. Recently, after being nominated and auditioning, Megan was chosen to attend the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in June.
“We were floored when we found out that Katherine Getchell nominated Megan,” shared her mother, Denise. “Mrs. Getchell helped Megan with her audition piece and supported her throughout this whole process. When we were notified that Megan was selected, we were ecstatic! It is important to us as parents to support our children’s interests and teach them that anything is possible! We are so humbled by this honor and cannot wait to share in her special time.”
Students participating in the Middle School Honors Performance Series are asked to fundraise to help offset the cost of attending. For Megan, fundraising help came from halfway across the country – from her father’s family in Minnesota. Eleven of Megan’s Minnesota relatives have organized a yard/bake sale and are donating the proceeds to help Megan.
“Megan is one of 22 grandchildren on my side and one of 29 on her father’s side,” said Denise. “She has a huge loving family and each and every one of those grandchildren are supported just the same! I wish I could express how caring, giving, loving these people are. It’s easy to lose connections when family is so far away and these people make us feel like we live next door.”
Humbled and moved by the show of support from their Minnesota relatives, her family here in Northborough decided to do the same exact thing – same time, same date – and call it “Megan’s Minnesota to Massachusetts Connection.” The local yard/bake sale will take place at 21 Emerson Road, Northborough, Saturday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is May 3.
For Megan, the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall is a dream come true.
“I cannot believe I get to perform at Carnegie Hall,” exclaimed Megan. “I never imagined that I would be able to go to New York City and perform in one of the country’s most famous performance halls. This will be something I will never forget, a once in a lifetime experience.”
For Megan, singing at Carnegie Hall is the fulfillment of just one of her dreams. The aspiring vocalist has hopes of singing on Broadway one day. For now, though, she is happy to command the stage at Melican Middle School.
“I am signed up for summer drama at River’s Edge [Arts Alliance] and cannot wait for the Melican musical next year,” she said. “I plan on continuing my voice lessons, too. When I head to Algonquin [Regional High School], I will get a chance to sing with some awesome singers and be able to participate in their musicals. I am so lucky to have this chance and I hope that I can be an example of what you can do if you really put your mind to it.”
Megan’s parents, Tom and Denise, along with her brothers Patrick, Mark and Danny will be traveling to New York City to watch her perform. Joining them will be Megan’s aunts Pam and Doreen and her grandmother Patricia, who will be flying in from Minnesota.
Photos/Submitted
