Photo by Damani Edgington
Krueger social studies teacher Janine Peo (above) accepts flowers at the school’s spring chorus concert on May 2, in honor of her 37-year tenure with Michigan City Area Schools. She is retiring at the end of this school year after an illustrious career.
Krueger teachers Peo, Olson honored at spring chorus concert
By Damani Edgington
Staff writer
MICHIGAN CITY – A staple of Krueger Middle School was in the spotlight this month.
Janine Peo, a loyal teacher to the Krueger Wolves, got her flowers Thursday, May 2, at the spring chorus concert in the school cafeteria.
For 27 of her 37 years at MCAS, Peo has been the glue for the school. With her retirement around the corner, chorus teacher Shirley Allen decided to show her love for her last go around. The chorus welcomed her to the stage with flowers and a thunderous applause.
“It felt good in the sense that Ms. Allen and the chorus students recognized that I support them and have supported them in their program for years,” Peo said. “I felt appreciated. I felt connected and proud to be a part of Krueger Middle School.”
Peo wasn’t the only one to get her flowers, though. George Olson, another loyal educator to Krueger who will be retiring from his career as a band teacher after 34 years, was also acknowledged. Their tributes only made the concert even more enjoyable, and added to the overall success.
Besides the sweet words about the teachers, the crowd also loved all the songs sung by the seventh and eighth graders alike. Some songs were just great because of their lovely vocals, like “Hashivenu.” Others, like “Bonse Aba” and “Shake the Papaya Down,” had amazing instrumentals by students such as Calvin Roberts, Caleb Holmes and Jason Picon. “I Shall Not Live in Vain” even included a live flutist, Ella Galindo.
“It was nerve racking,” Ella said. “But I was happy I had the opportunity.”
Despite this being her first time as a live accompaniment, the audience loved her. When asked about the performance, Julien Wolford kept it short and sweet.
“Ella did amazing,” she said.
The great flute solo wasn’t the only notable song of the night. The crowd favorite was by far
“Singin’ in the Rain.” Besides the great singing, the dancing is what really made the crowd fall in love with the performance, as students were dancing with umbrellas.
“My favorite part of the performance tonight has to be the “Singin’ in the Rain” choreography,” Olson said. “It was really well done.”
The people in the crowd were not the only ones who appreciated the show, though. Allen, who coordinated the whole thing, adored it as well.
“I think probably, one of my favorites was just the umbrella thing,” Allen said. “Because I know how those girls worked hours and hours on that to get it right, and it was so cute.”
To finish out the night, the combined chorus performed “The Lion King 2019, Choral Highlights.” With 28 soloists, the crowd got to enjoy not just the strong voices of them together, but also their individual talents.
As far as talent goes, Allen will miss Olson’s.
“I just want to make sure that I thank Mr. Olson,” Allen said. “Because I’m going to miss working with him.”