Kearsley’s after school Melody Makers brought home the gold from a choir competition in Orlando, Fla.

Claire Zuwala, senior, is a member of Melody Makers and felt confident with their performance.

“I thought we all did really well,” Zuwala said. “I couldn’t be any more proud of our whole choir.”

At the competition, which took place on the last weekend of spring break, starting Friday, April 8, the Melody Makers competed for rankings and awards.

Awards were given out the next day at a ceremony.

The choir, which had 16 members singing, was awarded three awards from various categories.

For the Jazz portion, the Melody Makers took first place, winning the gold.

Third place was awarded to the choir for chamber choir, which is traditional music.

The final award was for being the most outstanding choir, which Kearsley tied for with another school.

Senior Adam Chuchvara enjoyed the experience.

“Going to Orlando with friends to do what I love was an awesome feeling,” Chuchvara said. “It could not have been anymore great due to such an experience.”

The name of the competition was World Strides Onstage: Heritage Music Festival.

There were bands and choirs from 11 states, which made for tough competition. But the Melody Makers sang strong.

After the competition, the students enjoyed their time around Universal Studios.

They rode countless rides and visited many shops while waiting to be presented with the awards.

The choir is proud of its accomplishments and the singers are happy they brought home the gold.

Cami Clarambeau, junior, was happy with the choir’s placement.

“It was so exciting,” Clarambeau said. “We worked so hard, and it was awesome to be rewarded for it.”