I am a former member of the Serrano Intermediate Choir. This choir provided not only a creative outlet for me but also a sense of belonging and confidence. For many of us, our choir director, Mr. Ngo, served as a guiding figure in our lives. The removal of the choir program and its subsequent activities has been a significant blow to the prior choir students, especially with the absence of consideration for the choir program by the new principal. This personal disconnect has now affected the lives of current and future students at Serrano Intermediate, Lake Forest, CA, who deserved the same opportunities that were granted to many of us.

Statistics from the National Association for Music Education show that music-studying students have better academic results, improved memory, and better engagement with the community than those who do not (NAfME, 2013). If these benefits are acknowledged universally, then why is the choir program being overlooked by its principal?

We, therefore, petition for the re-establishment of the choir program at Serrano Intermediate. Additionally, we call for fair consideration of all extracurricular activities, free of bias, and for the return of the cherished choir field trips. We believe that every student should have access to a balanced education, one that includes an enriching and fruitful music program. We ask for your support to let those voices be heard again. Please, sign this petition, as it will be a crucial step in bringing change to our beloved school.