This Tuesday, April 9, Ascension held their first ever Fine Arts signing day. Seniors Catherine Anderson and Ben Tyrell both signed with renowned programs at two of the top twenty-five Fine Arts programs in the United States.

Senior Ben Tyrell signed to major in Musical Theatre at the University of Arizona. Ben, who was once a shy seventh grader, has come a long way since Mrs. Kallie first taught him at Christian Youth Theatre (CYT). Of the over 1,000 students who auditioned, Ben was one of eight boys selected. When I asked Ben how he felt about being one of just sixteen students selected for the elite program, Ben stated, “It’s really cool. I’m honored to have been chosen to be part of the program and the University of Arizona Musical Theatre Class of 2023. The directors and all of the students that I met there when I visited are awesome. I am really looking forward to joining them!”

Senior Catherine Anderson signed as a vocal major at Texas Christian University. Her choir teacher, Mr. Brian Sanford, told all in attendance of Catherine’s many accomplishments. While in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Catherine will have many professional opportunities with the Dallas and Fort Worth Operas. When I asked Catherine about her opportunity, she said, “It is incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to with both the Dallas and Fort Worth Operas! Both Operas have received national attention from critics for their excellence, and the Dallas Opera has even presented many international opera singers for their American Debut. It would be an absolute honor to have the opportunity to work with either of these organizations.” Catherine hopes to one day share her experience with these organizations with us here at Ascension.