Welcome scene
It’s good to see that Judson Erne Auditorium at Columbus North High School is back in operation after sustaining fire, smoke and soot damage Dec. 5. It took 11 long weeks for the necessary restoration work, but the reopening is good news for the community — and just in time for this weekend’s “Kiss Me Kate” musical featuring high school performers.
In addition to hosting school functions, such as the annual American Pie concert, the auditorium serves as a home for Columbus Indiana Philharmonic performances, dance recitals and other community events.
Having an important resource such as Judson Erne Auditorium available for use again is a great benefit to the community.
Good time aids good cause
The 18th annual Dance Marathon raised an estimated $137,000 for Columbus-based Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, pushing the total funds raised since the event’s inception to $1 million. That’s impressive.
Proceeds from this year’s event will be used for Turning Point programming, which benefits youths and victims of domestic violence, with student education a top focus, said Lisa Shafran, the agency’s president.
The fundraiser started in 2000 when Columbus East High School students planned it as part of a senior project. The 12-hour event this year, which started Feb. 25 at Central Middle School, was attended by 520 high school students this year, Shafran said. Three $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Columbus North High School senior Marina Hughes, and Columbus East High School seniors Grace Hatton and Ben Westenberger.
Dance Marathon does a lot of good and helps a lot of people and is worthy of continued strong support.
Tremendous achievement
Kudos to Columbus East wrestler Cayden Rooks for winning the 120-pound state title on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis, and for becoming the first state champion in the high school program’s history.
His accomplishment is an example that dedication and hard work can lead to your dream being realized.
Sweet sound of victory
Kudos to Joel Sullivan, a native of Columbus and current Los Angeles resident, who won a Grammy Award Feb. 12 in Los Angeles for best children’s album. Sullivan performs at Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and clearly knows how to connect with young people.
It’s the second time in recent years that someone from Columbus won a Grammy for entertainment created for a children’s audience. Alisha Gaddis, who with her husband Lucky Diaz, won a Latin Grammy in 2013 for a children’s album.
