April 30 was the choir’s last competition of the year, and despite being anxious throughout her entire competition from both competing and having to make it back to school in time for “Seussical” that night, it was worth it, junior Melissa Mossinghoff said.

“I’ve been working all week and not leaving until at least 9:30 p.m. each night, which made it nuts to try to find time outside of choir class to practice.,” Mossinghoff said.

The University of Missouri – Columbia hosted this competition from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students from schools all over the state traveled to compete. In order to compete at state level, the ensemble or soloist would have to receive a ranking of a one on the five to one scale, one being the best you can get, at districts.

“[The competition] went pretty well,” Mossinghoff said. “My trio received a ranking of a two, and my solo received a one.”

Prior to the competition, only two soloists from Central have ever received a one ranking at state, including Mossinghoff. Mossinghoff competed in an ensemble with junior Kayla Kammermeyer and sophomore Lexie Vandiver. Soloists competing were seniors D.J. Eshenroder and Vandiver. Besides Mossinghoff’s ensemble, others who competed in ensembles were juniors Claire Henderson, Bailee Moore, Anna Gingrich, Kyle Chumbley, Spencer Millfelt and Jordan Peasel.

“I [was] honestly surprised. My judge from districts came in to talk to my judge at state and also watched me. It was really neat even though it made me even more nervous,” Mossinghoff said. “It’s a great feeling [to receive a one]. I’m really excited. It’s so cool to have gotten this experience twice now.”