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Community Corner

Belmont students enjoy a musical trip to West Point

Four days after the Marathon bombings, Thomas Choy and John Higgins of Belmont, together with 38 other members of the select Boston College High School Chamber Choir, were about to leave for a West Point concert tour, when the Boston lockdown in pursuit of the second 'Marathon Bomber' delayed all travel out of the city. Once the lockdown was lifted they set out from NY and arrived in Poughkeepsie at midnight and much to their surprise our boys found welcoming notes on their pillows saying 'Boston Strong.'

      Despite losing a full day's itinerary because of the delay, the original schedule was resumed. Saturday's activities included a tour of the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum. This was followed by a trip to the Regina Coeli Catholic Church in Hyde Park to sing at Mass followed by a concert. Both priest and parishioners were grateful to have the choir with them not only for their music but also for the effort the boys made in coming to join them.

     

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On Sunday they visited the United States Military Academy at West Point and the renown Cadet Chapel. Here the BC High Chamber Choir  sang at the Worship Service after which an inspirational concert was performed with several cadets joining in . Following the service a brunch was held on campus at the Thayer Hotel. After a guided tour of the academy the choir returned by bus to Boston College High School that evening.

Throughout the weekend it was evident this was not a routine high school trip. Flags were at half-mast every where they went. Clergy and public alike expressed their concerns and prayers for the people of Boston as well as their appreciation and standing ovations for the Chamber Choir performances. Rendition of our National Anthem at concerts or in restaurants brought people proudly to their feet to join in.

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“My favotite part had to be singing at West Point” said Higgins. “I mean it was an honor to give back to those who are putting their lives at risk to help our nation. The church was beautiful and everyone in it was so friendly. The stain glass on the church brought all the sun into the chapel making it warm just like the people there were. They were welcoming and were really sympathetic to us for what was happening back home, which made me feel better to know that people did care.”

Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men founded in 1863.  The school enrolls approximately 1600 students from more than 100 communities in eastern Massachusetts. For more http://www.bchigh.edu

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