Teaching Polson choir a joy
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Editor,
I have had the honor and privilege of teaching choral music at Polson Middle School and Polson High School for the last 23 years. I have enjoyed building the choral program here and have been blessed to have many quality students that have made the choral department a real success. Thank you, Polson students, parents and staff for many years of incredible music making. These are memories I will cherish forever, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside many wonderful young people.
Thanks to all the people who have made me “look good” in this endeavor, including my beautiful bride Viktra, my wonderful daughters, my church family and my colleagues.
Because the choral position is so visible to the public, it’s somewhat unfair not to recognize the other quality veteran teachers that are retiring this year and might go unnoticed. Please congratulate Lynn Kelly, Mindy Harwood, Dennis Johnson and others who deserve recognition for their excellent contributions to student success at Polson.
I am fortunate enough to be able to continue to live in Polson because I have accepted the leadership of the Mission Valley Christian Academy. Although I am going to miss my choir students a great deal, I am excited to begin a new adventure in directing MVCA in curriculum, accreditation and building a partnership with the communities of the Mission valley. This will be a daunting task and it will only be successful with the capable help of the board, staff and parents of the MVCA students and the involvement of the whole Mission Valley. I hope to be a servant leader and model the kind of character, integrity and strength Jesus showed for all of us.
I look forward to continuing connecting to the incredible wealth of relationships in our community. Although I won’t be the face of the PHS choir anymore, I plan to support the new replacement as much as I can. Thanks again, Polson, for all you have invested in my family and me. I am so fortunate to continue living in this amazing place.
Chris Bumgarner
Polson
