On Monday, October 6th, ten O’Neill High Band and Choir students traveled to Norfolk to rehearse and perform in the 2025 Northeast Community College Hawkfest Honor Band and Choir. They practiced all morning and afternoon, concluding with a concert that included the band and choir performing together on the song “Thank You, Soldiers!”.
Conducting the Honor Band was NECC band director Kevin McClouth. The Honor Choir was under the direction of Margaret Schultz, NECC Choir Director.
Hawkfest Honor Band members from O’Neill included: Hailey Romessor, Celia Mott, Riley Roessler, Kaitlyn Hinrichs, and Alex Otte.
Hawkfest Honor Choir members from O’Neill included: Emma Bowder, Addyson Hilger, Emily Sholes, Karlee Seger, and Mayan Ochidi.
Senior Celia Mott commented “ Hawkfest was an inspirational, educational experience. I had a lot of fun!”
Hailey Romesser also received the NECC Hawkfest Scholarship. This is the first time an O’Neill Band member has received this award.
