The Athena Treble Choir from Stewarts Creek High School has been named the 2025 National Winner of the Marian Anderson Award for Social Justice by The American Prize, earning one of the most meaningful honors in the national choral community.
The Marian Anderson Award recognizes ensembles that demonstrate both artistic excellence and a commitment to social justice through performance. Athena received the award for its performance of Voices from the Light, presented this past March at the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association in Dallas. The work brings renewed attention to a long-overlooked composer and reflects the choir’s commitment to music that amplifies underrepresented voices.
"This award speaks not only to the extraordinary musicianship of our students, but to the kind of learning environment they help create every day," said Dr. Clark Harrell, principal of Stewarts Creek High School. "The Athena Treble Choir models empathy, discipline, and purpose through their music, and we are incredibly proud to see their work recognized on a national stage."
In addition to the Marian Anderson Award, Athena earned two additional national honors from The American Prize. The choir received third prize for the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for American Music, which recognizes outstanding performances of American repertoire, and third prize for the American Prize in Choral Performance, placing Athena among the top high school choirs in the country.
Directors Dr. Susan Kelly and Dr. Brian Russell emphasized that these achievements reflect years of sustained support from students, families, administration, alumni, and the broader community. "Honors like this are never the result of a single performance or a single year," said Dr. Kelly. "They are built on a foundation of trust, encouragement, and shared belief in what choral music can do."
The recognition marks a proud moment for Stewarts Creek High School and underscores the growing national presence of its choral program. "For the students of Athena," said Dr. Russell, "these awards affirm that their voices, artistry, and commitment to meaningful music making are being heard within and far beyond their home community."