The National Anthem contest has been whittled to ten semifinalists. Watch each singer/group perform, then use the form below to vote. Or click here.
This vote will narrow the semifinalists down to three finalists. At that point, CHSAA staff will select the winner. For official contest rules, see this page.
Voting is now closed. The three finalists are Chiara Degenhardt (Ouray), Mykayla Krentz (Wiley) and the Niwot HS group. The CHSAA staff will now pick the winner of the contest.
Semifinalists
Listed in alphabetical order
Chiara Degenhardt, Ouray.
“Coming from a rural town in Colorado, I don’t have as many options for singing as others may have. However, I sing the national anthem for home volleyball and basketball games, I sang to open the Homecoming basketball game for the past three years, and I was selected to open the District Conference in Olathe, Colorado last year. I love to sing, and I am passionate about singing. This would be a huge honor as a Senior graduating this year to be able to sing for a larger audience. I think that this would be a wonderful opportunity since my school itself does not have a football team.”
Maddie Farrell, Boulder
“I love to sing whether its in the car, on stage, or anywhere I go. I feel like singing lets me make a connection with other people. Singing is a very big part of my life and I love it so much! I believe that I should be chosen to preform the national anthem because I have sung it many times before like for example last year I sang at basketball and football games. I really enjoy singing the national anthem because it is a great way to honor my country and the members of the armed services.”
Andy Hoffman, Regis Jesuit
“I think I should be given the honor of singing the national anthem because I have a passion for singing it at whatever sporting events I’m able to, whether that be a football game, a volleyball game, a hockey game, or even a swim meet. I think it’s an incredible song that reflects American patriotism and I love singing it!”
Mykayla Krentz, Wiley
“The experience of singing at this large of an event would prove invaluable in my singing career. I have sang the national anthem at many local events such as local ballgames, all-star events, and county fairs. This event would take me to another level and improve my confidence.”
Elle Nasby, Palmer Ridge
“I would like to be selected to sing the national anthem because it was my fathers favorite song for me to sing, and I would like to honor him by singing it at this game.”
Marissa Murdock, Bishop Machebeuf
“I have been singing ever since I was 2 1/2 years old and it is no longer just a hobby, it is a passion. I have had the incredible opportunity to sing at various events such as my school basketball, football, and volleyball games, nursing homes, children’s hospitals, church events, and so on. I am the youngest member inducted into the Colorado Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, as well as the youngest to sing at the Brown Palace. Having the chance to perform at the 4A/5A football state championship games would be an honor and a privilege. Thank you for considering me as a possible candidate.”
Niwot High School group (Katie Gillett, Joe Castinado, Kenny Wilson, Steven Schaetzl, and Abrianna Judson)
“Any choral singer will tell you that a group of talented singers is almost always better than just one. This group is living proof of that. Together, we create a fuller, more mature sound and our exciting harmonies bring new energy to the well-known melody. We are all experienced performers, and we regularly sing the National Anthem at Niwot’s home sporting events. We’d all love to have the opportunity to sing at Mile High Stadium and represent Niwot HS. Our blend and rich tone make our group a great choice to wow the crowds at the Football State Championships!”
Antoinette Pino, Denver East
“I’m so honored for this opportunity that my East High volleyball coach, Tarah Sponenberg brought to my attention! I would love the chance to sing the National Anthem for the CHSAA Class 4A and 5A football championship games! I think I should be selected because I emotionally connect and relate to this song as My Grandpa and Uncle both served in the Navy, which gives me a Patriotic perspective on a deeper level. I also want to make my coach, Tarah Sponenberg and my volleyball team proud from East High School. Singing is my passion and I don’t sing because I’m happy, I’m happy because I sing. It is not just the song that I emotionally relate to; it is the great things, people and family in this country that come to mind as I sing it.”
Katie Peterson, Las Animas
“After following my father around the world during his military career, I found a permanent home in the small town of Las Animas. The past two years I’ve had the privilege of singing our national anthem for many of our hometown events. Every time I sing, I’m filled with a sense of pride in our country, the people who serve it, and the athletes who give it their all. I feel lucky to live in my little corner of the state, and I’d like to share a part of it with the rest of Colorado.”
Ashleigh Tucker, Coal Ridge
“Being a choir student for 11 years, it has be a pleasure singing at several events, including football games, concerts, and honor choirs. I have been asked to sing at many school events by students and administration. I have loved singing the National Anthem since I was a little girl and still love it to this day. I would love to sing at the State Championship because I have a great passion for singing and it would be an honor if I were selected to sing at such a prestigious statewide event.”
Voting form
Use the form below to vote for your favorite singer or group.
Voting is now closed.