Student Mona Shores surprised by playing an angel in a Christmas concert

NORTON SHORES, Mich. — Forget the fall holidays; choir members at Mona Shores High School have been singing Christmas songs since the “third day of school” in preparation for the annual “Tallest Singing Christmas Tree in America” ​​concert.

“We know it’s the holiday season when we see it,” said Shawn Lawton, co-director of choirs, describing the 27-foot-tall Christmas tree with 25,000 lights and five “floors” of ceremonial students at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon.

Traditionally, one member of the choir is chosen to be the angel at the top of the tree. This year’s special singer is Kenzie Aney, who was surprised by the role last week.

“It made me happy,” Aney said.

A high school student surprised by his role in the Christmas choir concert

Aney, who uses a wheelchair, was chosen because she “has an incredibly positive attitude and is always smiling.”

“Even though this person faces challenges, they give their all every day,” Lawton said in a video of the angel announcement.

NOV 17

Due to the weight of the wheelchair, Aney will be lit at the base of the tree rather than raised to the top. She is a fourth-year choir member and knows her role as a soprano very well.

“A girl is a light,” Lawton said, recalling a previous performance of “Car Wash” in which Aney and the choir used towels as props. “We put her on hold and she had so much energy and so much joy.”

NOV 17

This Christmas, Aney will be at the forefront again, representing “Sailor Pride.”

“Personal responsibility, respect, integrity, discipline and commitment,” Lawton said. “She is the epitome of that.”

Tickets for America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree went on sale Friday and are available Here.

Follow FOX 17: Facebook – X – Instagram – YouTube