'The Experience Was Amazing': Danvers High Student Shines At National Singing Competition

DANVERS, MA — Danvers High junior Brooke Wilichoski shone bright on the national stage this past week as she placed second in the Commercial Music category at the 2025 National Association of Teachers and Singing competition held in Philadelphia.

Wilichoski competed in the Lower High School Treble Voices, Category 3A, making her way through a multi-round process that began in February and culminated with her performances at Temple University on June 26 through June 28.

She first qualified in the New England Regional Auditions, placing first in Commercial Music and second in Musical Theatre among approximately 50-75 competitors per category.

The top regional finish propelled her into the national quarterfinals, where she competed against the top five students from each of NATS' 14 regions.

Wilichoski was named a national semifinalist in both Musical Theatre and Commercial Music. She advanced to the final round in Commercial Music, finishing second in the nation in one of the country's most competitive vocal contests for high school students.

For her final performance, "Love in the Dark" by Adele, Wilichoski selected from a diverse repertoire that included John Lennon's "Imagine" and Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man." In the Musical Theatre category, she performed "Home" from Beetlejuice, "Stupid With Love" from Mean Girls, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz.

"My favorite part of the process was competing and the adrenaline before taking the stage and hearing all of the talented artists," Wilichoski said. "I hope I qualify again next year because the experience was amazing.

"My voice teacher, Noel Smith, was incredibly supportive the entire weekend and really prepared me well."

Wilichoski studies at Noel Smith Voice Studio in Lynnfield. She is a member of chorus and theater programs at Danvers High. She is a mezzo soprano in its advanced groups, Falconize and Vocal Alliance.

She has also held various leading roles in the school’s theater program, DHS ACTS, including Cady in Mean Girls: Teen Edition and Asaka in Once On This Island. She is an officer for the Class of 2027 and plays on the varsity softball team.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)