Christmas Coffeehouse Returns to Students’ and Parents’ Delight
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Photo courtesy of DCHS – Treble and Mixed Chorus perform “Silent Night” (Pentatonix version).
On Dec. 12, the Dade County High School choruses hosted the first Christmas Coffeehouse event since 2019. Throughout the school system, students have been busy preparing and presenting Christmas concerts and performances. For seniors at DCHS, Christmas Coffeehouse is a special highlight.
Senior Abby Mills reflected, “As a senior, I took in as much as I could with this being our last coffeehouse experience. My first was freshman year, and soon after, COVID-19 hit. I will forever treasure these memories I make as a senior. There’s just something about the Christmas season and singing with your choir family.”
Gabrielle Haston, director of choral activities at both the high school and middle school, reported that before the tradition was interrupted by COVID-19, the annual event had happened for over a decade.
Photo courtesy of DCHS – Nayla Smith performs at the piano.
“Our singers were excited to renew this tradition for the first time since the seniors were freshman,” said Haston.
Senior Natalie Pierce remembered, “The last time we had a coffeehouse was when I was a freshman. I never thought we were going to be able to do it again after COVID shut down school. Being able to do this again my senior year means a lot. I even sang the song I sang as a solo during my first coffeehouse and was able to see how much I have grown. It was amazing to watch the community light up with happiness as they watched friends who love singing together.”
Melinda Chaney, parent of a performer, said, “What a fun night! The Christmas Coffeehouse was just spectacular. The amazing talent among the students was wonderfully displayed. The snacks were obviously delicious. It was a proud-parent evening, and I look forward to it again next year.”
Photo courtesy of DCHS – Rock Chaney sings to the audience.
Senior Savannah Guffey said, “It feels surreal to know that this is my last Christmas hoorah with this choir family. Christmas is the time when I remember all the good times with these amazing people. These people have shaped me into the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more proud to call them my family.”