3 District 5 students named to SC Elementary Honor Choir

Three Lexington-Richland School District Five students have been selected to participate in the 2026-27 South Carolina Elementary Honor Choir, an annual statewide ensemble recognizing outstanding young vocalists.

The students selected are Xavier Owens, EL Son Soe and Diana Soe, all of the Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet School. They were chosen through a selective audition process.

Sponsored by the South Carolina Music Educators Association, the South Carolina Elementary Honor Choir is composed of standout singers in grades four through six. Music educators nominate students and submit recorded auditions, with each participating school able to submit up to six students for consideration.

Students selected for the honor choir have the opportunity to work with nationally recognized guest conductors, experienced collaborative pianists and music educators as they prepare for a special performance. The ensemble traditionally performs during the SCMEA Professional Development Conference, held annually in Columbia on Feb. 5-6.

Elizabeth Nunez will serve as the clinician for the 2026-27 South Carolina Elementary Honor Choir, guiding students through the preparation and performance experience.

Núñez is an Emmy Award-winning creative director of the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, where she provides artistic leadership for programs serving more than 2,000 young singers each year. She has conducted choirs at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater and on national television while leading ensembles to international acclaim, including earning the title of “Choir of the World.”

“We are incredibly proud of these students for earning this outstanding opportunity to represent our district in the South Carolina Elementary Honor Choir,” School District Five Coordinator for Visual and Performing Arts Roger Simpson said. “Their selection is a testament to their musical talent, dedication and hard work, and we are excited to see them grow as musicians while learning from an exceptional clinician. Congratulations to these talented students and their families on this wonderful achievement!”

District 5 earns top state honors for adult education

Lexington-Richland School District Five’s adult education program has earned statewide recognition from the South Carolina State Department of Education, receiving four prestigious awards: the Young Adult Program Award, Adult Basic Education Performance Award, Integrated Education and Training Award and English as a Second Language Award.

“These awards represent more than achievement — they represent lives changed, barriers overcome and doors opened to brighter futures,” School District Five Adult Education Director John McMillan said. “Special recognition goes to Ashton Smith, program director, who leads the GED and diploma tracks; Shanda Sutton, college and career navigator, who leads the Integrated Education and Training program; and the entire ESL (English-as-a-second language) teaching staff for their tireless work supporting English language learners.”

School District Five’s adult education program offers opportunities for adult students to earn a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential through GED.  Additional programs and offerings include:  English language acquisition (ESL), career preparation workshops, paraprofessional certification, career exploration through ASVAB, family literacy, workplace literacy, college and military entrance exam preparation, academic enrichment and a pharmacy technician integrated education and training program.

“I am extremely proud to acknowledge and celebrate the School District Five adult education program for its outstanding accomplishments and recognition through four prestigious state awards,” Student Services and Planning Officer Michael Harris said. “These awards are a direct reflection of the program's commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability and its overall impact on the lives of the individuals and communities it serves.”