Kennett High choir recounts China tour; district highlights national music honor and student achievements

Students from Kennett High School told the school board on May 11 that a recent 10-day choir tour of China combined performances, cultural exchanges and academic opportunities.

Choir director Ryan Batten introduced students who described concerts at venues including Hebei Vocational College of the Arts, workshops on fan dancing and Beijing opera, and frequent impromptu street performances that drew local audiences. Student speakers recounted logistical challenges — a brief passport issue, long travel days on trains and buses — and emphasized adaptability and cultural learning. The group showed a roughly 90-second highlight video of the trip.

Student council member Alina Aguilar opened the meeting with a student-council report that listed activities and accomplishments such as revival of a principal’s roundtable, prom attendance of about 420 guests, and AP/Keystone exam registration (282 students taking 605 AP tests). Several students and staff mentioned individual honors: an art-show award, an FCCLA state win, and athletic commitments by seniors.

Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders told the board that the Kennett Consolidated School District was named one of the nation’s best communities for music education by the NAMM Foundation, recognizing district commitment to music access and programming. Saunders also highlighted that 76 students represented the district at the Chester County Special Olympics and reported multiple senior athletic signings.

The board and administration publicly thanked chaperones and staff who organized the trip, and recognized longtime employees for their service. The presentation concluded with a brief board exchange praising the students and encouraging continued cultural and performing-arts opportunities.

The board received the presentation during its superintendent update; no action was required.