Schools

Farmington High American Cancer Society Benefit Concert Honors Music Teacher

Violin teacher Mary Stolberg touched the life of National Honor Society member Caitlyn Wiley, who is organizing the May 12 event.

A May 12 concert at will raise funds for the American Cancer Society and honor the memory of an inspiring music teacher. 

Concert organizer Caitlyn Wiley, a senior who is president of the school's National Honor Society (NHS), said she took lessons with violin teacher Mary Stolberg for three of the eight years she has played the instrument.

"I grew a lot as a person with her," Wiley said. "I've never been challenged as much ... I was able to take on other tasks because of the confidence she gave me."

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Mary Stolberg died of cancer in 2009, at the age of 53. Her sister, Ann Stolberg, also succumbed to cancer earlier this year.

In 2011, Wiley launched the concert as a way to support the NHS Relay for Life fundraiser, an annual event that benefits the American Cancer Society, and to honor her beloved teacher. About 50 students are involved, including performers and those who work behind the scenes. 

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This year's concert, held May 12, 7 p.m., in the high school auditorium, will feature all types of music and readings from poets Lesley Merrill and TaKenyah McKenzie, Wiley said. While the NHS includes only juniors and seniors, students in 9th-12 grades will perform.

Wiley said that every year, each NHS member raises at least $50 for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

"This year's goal is $3,000, but we're sure that we will greatly surpass that amount," she said. This year's Relay for Life is held May 19 and 20, at in Farmington. 

Last year's concert raised $800, and Wiley hopes to break the $1,000 mark this year. Tickets for the concert are $7, $5 for students, and will be available at the door. 


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