Lawrence livestreams Tri-M induction ceremony

A livestream of this year’s Lawrence Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society induction ceremony included members from the 2019-’20 and 2020-’21 class as last year’s ceremony was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2019-’20 inductees are: William Benitez, Matthew Blanco, Andrew Carpio, Stephanie Castagna, Rahul Dhoundiyal, Commenesha Groover, Ana Herrera, Janelly Larios-Rivera, Audrey Michlig, Katherine Mazariegos, Serenity Moorman, Liselot Polanco, Joseline Ramos Rodriguez Ganelle Russell, Xian Scott, Ilia Urgen, Nathaly Vasquez Raymundo, Corrinthea Washington and Niamya Wrighton.

“Music education in our district is critical to student success and there is a significant amount of research that supports the positive relationship between music education and academic performance, Lawrence High School Principal Dr. Jennifer Lagnado-Papp stated in a news release. “Our students are ambassadors of music and their performances add a special element to all of our school and community events.”

The 2020-’21 inductees are: Alexandra Acosta, Alexis Acosta, Joelie Acosta, German Beltran Jenai Briscoe, Leon Canales, Billy Godoy, James Kelley, Stephanie Lopez, Chiara Mingolla, Matthew Sharin, Zackari Sweeney Howell and Emma Urgen.

“This is a beautiful moment as we celebrate the hard work that you began so long ago on your musical careers in Lawrence,” Lawrence Superintendent Dr. Ann Pedersen said in the release. “You have worked so hard throughout these difficult times and your contributions to our school district community inspire us all.”

To be considered for the Tri-M Honor Society, students must take part in a registered music ensemble and have a grade-point average of A (4.0) or higher, maintain an overall minimum GPA of B (3.0) and be a role model for others through exemplary service, leadership and cooperation.

The ceremony included a video compilation of Lawrence Tri-M Music Honor Society members discussing what music means to them and live performances from Tri-M members singing and playing the piano, cello, violin, viola, snare drum and marimba.

District Music Coordinator Pam Gallopini applauded the students’ perseverance during the upheaval of the pandemic and noted upcoming music competitions and festivals in the fall, to close out the ceremony.