KHS Varsity Mixed Choir named National Winner
![A group of choir members in black attire poses for a photo in a hallway, framed by musical notation and award text.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790023559/sheldonisdcom/odcj37mxrssglddlrisk/NationalWinners.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790023559/sheldonisdcom/odcj37mxrssglddlrisk/NationalWinners.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790023559/sheldonisdcom/odcj37mxrssglddlrisk/NationalWinners.png","width":800}])
The C.E. King High School Varsity Mixed Choir, under the direction of Taylor G. Surratt and Crysty Cruz, has been named a National Winner in the 2026 Mark of Excellence / National Choral Honors competition.
Sponsored by The Foundation for Music Education, the Mark of Excellence is a prestigious national competition designed to recognize student music ensembles for achieving exceptional standards in performance. Entries are evaluated by nationally acclaimed adjudicators, with the top-performing ensembles selected as National Winners and the second quarter designated as Commended Winners.
This year’s competition drew 525 entries across all classifications representing 40 states. The choral division was judged by Dr. Allen Hightower, Director of Choral Studies at the University of North Texas.
Earning the National Winner designation places the C.E. King High School Varsity Mixed Choir among the premier high school choral programs in the country.
Sheldon ISD congratulates Mr. Surratt, Ms. Cruz, and the talented student vocalists for their dedication, artistic excellence, and outstanding representation of the district on the national stage.
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