The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) is proud to announce that the Boynton Middle School Seventh and Eighth Grade Chorus, directed by Nathan Parker, received the 2025 Hersheypark Music Showcase Festivals Grand Sweepstakes Award for the Junior High/Middle School Choral category. This prestigious recognition is awarded to the top-scoring ensemble at each festival location, and Boynton’s choir earned the only perfect score (100 average) of the entire season.
Their outstanding performance distinguished them from all other ensembles in their category that participated in the Music Showcase Festivals events this year. Boynton has received the Grand Sweepstakes Award six times since 2005, most recently in 2023.
“I am incredibly proud of our chorus for earning a perfect score and the Grand Sweepstakes Award at the Music Showcase Festivals,” Parker said. “Their dedication, focus, and passion for singing really came through during this performance. This achievement is not only a reflection of their talent, but also a testament to the amount of hard work it takes every day in rehearsal. It’s been great to see the continued growth of this group and share in this moment of well-deserved success.”
Congratulations to the Boynton Choir on this remarkable achievement! Thank you for representing our district with excellence and joy.
The ICSD’s Fine and Performing Arts Department recognizes that the study of music, art, and theater inspires learning, critical thinking, identity development, and strong communities. We celebrate the authentic selves of all students and work to cultivate loving relationships through anti-racist, inclusive, culturally responsive practices. Students explore their artistic voices and hone their skills in music, art, and theater through authentic performance opportunities in school and the community.