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How Chandler Prep Student Spent Winter Break on the Stages of India

Chandler Prep student performing in India [1]

As our students have returned to school from winter break, it has been exciting to hear about all the great experiences, trips, and shared time with family and friends. But for Manasa Subramanian, a junior at Chandler Preparatory Academy [2], winter break was an international tour of performing a series of concerts in India.

The young emerging talent has taken the world of Carnatic music by storm. Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with South India. The main emphasis is on vocals and mostly written to be sung. Subramanian delighted audiences with a total of 12 concerts, leaving a lasting impression everywhere she went. Her passion for music, coupled with her humility and gratitude, has touched the hearts of many and cemented her position as a rising star.

Chandler Prep student performing in India for senior citizens [3]From performing in grand concert halls to connecting with people on a personal level, Subramanian’s tour during the Margazhi Festival, where over a thousand performing arts concerts take place in various halls over a period of nine weeks, was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. The highlight of her journey was her performance at a renowned hall in New Delhi, India, where she left the audience spellbound with her rendition of Carnatic music. But it wasn’t just the big stages that brought her joy. Her performance at a senior citizen home showcased her compassion and talent, earning her heartfelt appreciation from the listeners.

Whether it was performing for large audiences or small intimate gatherings, she effortlessly brought the pure essence of South Indian classical vocal music to life. Her melodious voice earned her praise from admirers and seasoned musicians alike.

Chandler Prep student featured on a magazine cover in India [4]An unexpected honor came her way when she was nominated and featured on the cover of a local magazine. This acknowledgment humbly recognized her contribution to the art form and her growing prominence as a young artist.

Her tour was a true test of her dedication and perseverance. From performing the very next day after landing in India, fighting jet lag, to having her last concert on the day of her travel, Subramanian managed to perform 12 concerts in just 16 days. Some concerts were an hour long, others an hour and a half, and a few even stretched to two hours. Through it all, she remained grateful for the opportunity to share the beauty of Carnatic music with receptive audiences.

Subramanian’s success would not have been possible without the support of her mother and manager, Usha Ramachandran, who is also a teacher at Chandler Prep [2]. With her mother’s guidance and support, she was able to balance her academic commitments and her passion for music.

As the curtain fell on her series of concerts, Subramanian expressed her deep gratitude for the incredible experiences she had during winter break. She remarked, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to commence the new year by sharing the beauty of Carnatic music with such receptive audiences. It has been an enriching journey, and I humbly look forward to what lies ahead.”

Chandler Prep student performing in India [5]

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org [6].

9 Great Hearts Academies Students Recognized as National Merit Semifinalists

Additionally, 31 students awarded Commended status

PHOENIX, Ariz.—December 1, 2016—Great Hearts Academies has 9 students who were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, and 31 students who achieved Commended status. Students must test in the 99th percentile for semifinalist recognition and above the 97th percentile for the commendation. Traditionally, less than 1% of students in the nation are semifinalists and less than 2.5% commended.

Competition in this national program is very rigorous, and winners are chosen based on their abilities, skills, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in college and beyond. Recipients compete against more than 1.5 million entrants from nearly 22,000 high schools.

After being named a semifinalist, students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. About 90% of semifinalists typically attain finalist standing.

A list of Great Hearts National Merit Scholars is included below, by academy:

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy—Semifinalists: Daniel Kiefus, Jaywon Kim, Laura Schumm.
Commended: Chelsea Colliat, Brandon Hegardt, Alexandra Neumann, Daniela Ramras, Alexander Robbins, Madison Semro, Joy Stockwell, Aditya Sudhakar, Carlos Trevino

Chandler Preparatory Academy—Semifinalists: Bethany Kasprzyk, Caitlin Malimban, Tanya Tran.
Commended: Jack St. Peter, Cindy Liu

Glendale Preparatory Academy—Semifinalist: Jayden Self
Commended: Austin Dageforde, David Domocos, Brandon Kruelle, Araceli Lopez, Gabrielle Pettit, Emileigh Rafidi, Alexis Underhill, Margaret Waskow

Veritas Preparatory Academy—Semifinalists: Samuel Gerkin,  John Church
Commended: Bailey Cooper, Thomas Abel

Arete Prep Academy—Commended: Ruth Oliver, Grace Spotts, Brandon Dahl

Trivium Prep Academy—Commended: Jack Gashler, Yen Thao Lam, Rebekah Smith, Isaac Wen

Anthem Prep Academy—Commended: Anthony Marrama, Lauren Wadsworth, Kelsey Koscienski

“We are delighted to see so many Great Hearts students honored as National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students this year,” shared Dr. Robert Jackson, Chief Academic Officer for Great Hearts. “This recognition provides a notable benchmark from a uniform comparison across all high schools nationwide. We give tremendous credit to the dedication of our students in their pursuit of intellectual and moral excellence.  These accolades for our students provide additional evidence for the strength of the Great Hearts model of classical education.”

About Great Hearts Academies:

Great Hearts is a non-profit network of public charter schools dedicated to improving education nationwide through classical preparatory K-12 academies. As the largest provider of classical education in the country, Great Hearts academies serve more than 13,000 students at 29 public schools in greater Phoenix, San Antonio and Dallas (Irving), with waitlists that typically exceed enrollment. Great Hearts provides a robust liberal arts curriculum incorporating advanced math and science, a focus on the arts and foreign language, and a range of extra-curricular activities and athletics. Learn more at www.greatheartsamerica.org.

Key Statistics:

Contact:
Bill Odell
Director of Communications, Great Hearts
bodell@greatheartsaz.org [7]
(602) 889-5034