Stewarts Creek High School's Athena Treble Choir has been named a national finalist for the 2025 American Prize in Choral Performance. The American Prize is a national nonprofit competition that evaluates ensembles based on submitted recordings, recognizing excellence in various divisions, including professional, community, college/university, and high school choruses. This recognition places the Smyrna, Tennessee-based ensemble among the top high school choirs in the nation.
Principal Dr. Clark Harrell praised the ensemble’s achievement as emblematic of the school’s broader commitment to excellence:
"We are incredibly proud of the Athena Treble Choir and the entire Fine Arts Department. This recognition by The American Prize is yet another layer of excellence that defines Stewarts Creek High School. It reflects the hard work, talent, and vision that our students and faculty bring to everything they do."
The choir's recent endeavors include their selection as a Performing Demonstration Choir at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in March 2025 in Dallas, TX, where conductors Dr. Susan Kelly and Dr. Brian Russell joined University of North Texas faculty member Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett to present an interest session on Voices from the Light by 20th-century composer Dorothy Rudd Moore, a piece they recorded during the 2023-2024 school year. This was the first-ever recording of the work and marks only the fifth performance since its premiere by the Harlem Girls' Choir in 1997.
The Athena Treble Choir's accomplishments reflect the school's commitment to musical excellence and innovation that are hallmarks of the Stewarts Creek Fine Arts Academy. This recognition by The American Prize, awarded to only eleven high schools from across the country, highlights the ensemble's artistic achievements and dedication to excellence. For a complete list of 2025 American Prize national finalists in Choral Performance, visit The American Prize blog.