Whiz Kid: Michigan Youth Arts Festival Attendees

Name:

Kellen Degnan, senior, cello

Brian Hall, junior, cello

Barry Johnson, senior, flute

Mateja Kalajian, senior, violin

Charles Paul, sophomore, string bass

• School:  
• Accomplishment: These student musicians competed in two competitions—districts and states—to qualify for the state's highest high school musician honor: an invitation to the Michigan Youth Arts Festival where they will perform with the all-state orchestra. The festival is May 12 to 14.
• Key to Success: These students practice several hours a day at school and at home and are "the best of the best," orchestra teacher James Gross said. This is the first time five students have attended the festival in the same year from South. "It's a treat. I'm very proud of them." Most of them participate in the Detroit Symphony Youth Ensemble as well. Gross has had four of these students since sixth grade and their growth has been significant. 

Email nominations to Sara.Martin@patch.com. Nominations must include the nominator's name and contact information, the whiz kid's name, age, school, accomplishment and key to awesomeness.