The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler will present its Masquerade Ball on March 2 at Harvey Convention Center. WSL supports and promotes East Texas Symphony Orchestra and encourages music education.
“One of the ways the WSL fulfills this mission is through the Junior Symphony League,” WSL President Sandy Bennett said. “The WSL honors 45 seniors who not only volunteered over 2,800 hours but have become major contributors to the success of both the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and the East Texas Youth Orchestra.”
The league is the largest source of funding for the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, providing 20 percent of its operating budget. The WSL also provides scholarships that aid young musicians throughout East Texas.
“Part of our mission is education about the arts, particularly music. Through the JSL, we are enriching the lives of these student participants with an increased exposure to arts and arts programs as well as building their character through their volunteer involvement. This is just one way that the Women’s Symphony League is making a positive impact on our artistic community,” Bennett said.
The ball, an annual fundraiser, will recreate the mystique of an evening in New Orleans.
“The inspiration for the Masquerade Ball comes from the music and festive atmosphere that New Orleans is known for,” said Sheri Leal, WSL Ball co-chair. “We wanted to make this a memorable evening for the JSL members we are presenting. A masquerade ball is such fun and very New Orleans.”
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. The presentation of Junior Symphony League honorees is set for 8 p.m. followed by a dinner catered by Willow Brook Country Club. In the spirit of the theme, coffee and beignets will be served.
The Limelight Band will perform music for dancing. Entertainment includes a games area with a DJ, candy bar and photo booth. Tickets are $175.
Patrons can buy drawing tickets sponsored by Southside Bank for a chance to win a 13-inch MacBook Pro valued at $1,299 or a Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 bag valued at $1,390. Drawing tickets cost $25 or five for $100, and are available at www.wsltyler.org or by texting 414-44.
Other ways to support the WSL during the ball include making purchases for jewel boxes, Wine and Spirit Pull and Jackson Squares Honor Board.
Attendees may choose from 75 packages containing an assortment of semi-precious bead and briolette jewelry donated by Ramsey Fritz Jewels priced at $50 each. Attendees may participate in a Wine and Spirit Pull by purchasing tickets for $35 per pull. The Jackson Squares fundraiser is sponsored by Citizens 1st Bank. Individuals may buy squares as tributes to individuals or in support of the WSL music education programs.
“The WSL Masquerade Ball would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors, friends and family of the WSL. Thank you to each parent, individual, business and members of the WSL who contributed their financial resources as donors and time as volunteers,” said Michelle Melton, WSL Ball co-chair.
Major contributors include: the Lighter Sams Foundation, the Robert M. Rogers Foundation, Austin Bank, Energy Transfer Partners, Boozer Dental Works, Joyce Buford, East Texas Title Companies and Flowers Davis, Southside Bank, the University of Texas at Tyler and UT Health Northeast.
Media in-kind sponsors include: BMW of Tyler, the Tyler Morning Telegraph and Tyler Today Magazine.
For information about Women’s Symphony League and Junior Symphony League, visit www.wsltyler.org. To purchase ball tickets, drawing tickets or to donate, visit www.wsltyler.org or text 414-44, or call 903-520-9007.
The following are being presented at the ball.
Charles Ross Ainsworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lewis Ainsworth, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where he is senior class president, in the National Honor Society and chaplain of the football team. He is on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board.
Lauren McKenzie Bright, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David R. Bright, attends The Brook Hill School, where she is in the National Honor Society. She is Miss Dallas Teen USA and works with her nonprofit, Lauren’s Kloset.
Garrett Jennings Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Brown, attends The Brook Hill School, where he plays football and soccer and runs track. He is in the National Honor Society and on Honor Counsel. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas.
Sydney Luisa Brunette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hardy Brunette, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she is in the National Honor Society and captain of the cross-country team. She was awarded TAPPS 1st Team Academic All-State in cross-country, and has honors for track.
Courtney Ann Bugg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bugg, attends The Brook Hill School, where she is treasurer of the National Honor Society. She is on the Pollard UMC Youth Council and an assistant teacher at Dance-n-Drill. She volunteers for community organizations and plans to attend the University of North Texas.
Cailyn Elizabeth Carl, daughter of Dr. Stephanie Carl and the late Bryan Carl, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she is in the National Honor Society and is captain of the volleyball team. She also plays on the basketball and softball teams. She plans to attend Texas Tech University’s Honors College.
Sarah Catherine Caton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Caton, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where she is on the Southern Belles drill team and in the Student Council and National Honor Society. She is in the Young Republicans and on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board. She works at Shelton Family Law and plans to attend Texas A&M University.
Christian Scott Combest, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Scott Combest, attends All Saints Episcopal School, where he received Highest Academic Achievement honors in Spanish III and was All-District Honorable Mention in basketball. He has coached in Little Dribblers Basketball League and received the Youth Character Award for leadership. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
Karsen Elizabeth Conser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Peters Conser, attends Whitehouse High School, where she is captain of the First Ladies Dance Drill Team and in the National Honor Society. She is a member of the Elite Dance Company at Candy Crocker School of Dance and plans to attend Kilgore College.
Sydney Alyse Creath, daughter of Drs. Deborah and Jeffrey Plagenhoef and Dr. Robert G. Creath, attends Whitehouse High School, where she is first lieutenant of the First Ladies drill team. She is among the top 10 students of her class and in the National Honor Society. One of her oil paintings was a finalist in a statewide competition.
Madeline Claire DuBose, daughter of Ms. Rebecca R. Henderson, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where she is an officer of the Southern Belles drill tTeam and a member of its Elite Dance Team. She is a Rotary Club member and volunteers at the East Texas Food Bank. She plans to attend Kilgore College.
Mason Robert Embry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Embry, attends All Saints Episcopal School, where he plays on the TAPPS State Tournament Final Four Basketball Team. He was awarded TAPPS Academic All-State in basketball. He is leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteers at Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. He plans to attend Baylor University’s Honors College.
Lauren Elizabeth Evans, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Lenville Evans Jr., attends Grace Community High School, where she is on the basketball and golf teams. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas.
Lauren Nicole Fanning, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Paul M. Fanning, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she is an All-State cheerleader and is on the volleyball and track teams. She has received All-District honors for volleyball and was MVP on the track team. She is in the National Honor Society and plans to attend Texas A&M University.
Kassidy Elise Fender, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Harris R. Fender Jr., attends Bishop Gorman Catholic High School, where she is captain of the volleyball team and president of the National Honor Society. She is a Texas Bank and Trust Student Board member and a member of G.I.V.E. (Girls Invested in Volunteer Efforts) through the Women’s Fund of Smith County. She plans to attend Southern Methodist University.
Haddon Wayne Frederick, son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Frederick, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where he was All-State Academic in football and is in the National Honor Society. He serves on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board and volunteers at Christus Mother Frances Hospital.
Carly Sloan Furqueron, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Buddy Furqueron, attends Grace Community School, where she is a cheerleader and vice president of student activities on Student Government. She is a four-year state champion member of the choir and has played softball four years. She plans to attend Blinn College and later Texas A&M University.
Caleb Christopher Glenney, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Chris Glenney, attends Grace Community High School, where he was the captain of the football team and on the track team. He serves in Student Government and is a violinist in the TAPPS State Champion Orchestra. He plans to attend Texas A&M University.
Anna Grace Gregory, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Frederick Gregory, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she is in the National Honor Society and on the track team. She is on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board and volunteers at The Salvation Army. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Hannah Kennedy Hill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Michael Hill, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where she is vice president of the Student Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Texas Tech University.
Nicholas Pierce Hudgens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Kenneth Hudgens, attends Grace Community High School, where he is in the National Honor Society and on the football and baseball teams. He was 2nd Team All-District in baseball. He is on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board and plans to attend Baylor University.
Makenzi Christian Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Johnson, attends Grace Community High School, where she is head dance captain of the Cougarettes drill team. She is a member of the Student Government and in the National Honor Society. An employee of State Rep. Matt Schaefer, she plans to major in political science.
Chesley Payton Kelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sepmoree, attends The Brook Hill School, where she is captain of the Debate Team and on the Cadet drill team. She is in the Chorale and participates in musical productions. She plans to attend the Honors College at Texas Tech University.
Matthew Thomas McDaniel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tommy S. McDaniel, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where he takes advance placement courses and plays the tuba in the All-Region Band. A community volunteer, he plans to attend Tyler Junior College.
Chloe Elisabeth McKinley, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James W. McKinley, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she is first chair alto in the Honors Choir and in TPSMEA Selective Statewide Choir. She has competed in TAPPS state debate and has been in theater productions. She plans to attend the University of North Texas Honors College.
Brooks Warner Melton, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Melton, attends Grace Community High School, where he is president of Young Republicans and Ashira Concert Choir. He received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and is on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Michael Sammy Mezayek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam M. Mezayek, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where he is in the National Honor Society and on the football team. He is a member of the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board and an Eagle Scout. He plans to attend the University of Texas.
Anna Catherine Negem, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Michael Negem Sr., attends Grace Community High School, where she is in the National Honor Society, serves on the chapel leadership team and is a life groups leader. She is captain of the tennis team and has received academic awards in chemistry, geometry, biology and Bible. She plans to attend Baylor University, where she has received an academic scholarship.
Lucy Elizabeth Nickel, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Todd Matthew Nickel, attends Grace Community High School, where she serves as Student Government president, is a cheerleader and plays viola in the TAPPS State Champion Orchestra. She is in the National Honor Society and on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board.
Ashley Anne Oldham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gregory Oldham, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where she is in the National Honor Society and in the top 10 percent of her class. As a member of the volleyball team, she was selected First Team All-District. She is a member of Young Life and plans to attend the University of Arkansas.
Jordan Avery Biddle O’Neill, daughter of Ms. Mary O’Neill and the late Mr. Brian W. O’Neill, attends The Brook Hill School, where she is co-captain of the All-Star Competitive Cheer Team Perfect Storm. She is a Cadet drill team member and plays soccer. She was awarded the Texas Tech Presidential Scholarship and will attend Texas Tech University.
Reagan Brianne Park, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Brian Park, attends Grace Community High School, where she is in the National Honor Society, serves as a Cougar Ambassador and is on the yearbook committee. She is a Texas Bank and Trust Student Board member. She plans to attend Texas A&M University.
Lewis Bradley Rippy Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bradley Rippy, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where he is on the baseball team. He is in the National Honor Society and on Student Council. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
Keaton Aspen Rosenlieb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark James Rosenlieb, attends East Texas Christian Academy, where she is president of the National Honor Society and is on the volleyball and softball teams. She is the Academic Rodeo’s Writing Contest winner and volunteers for PATH.
William Theodore Sanchez, son of Drs. Lianne and Bob Sanchez, attends All Saints Episcopal School, where he is in the National Honor Society and a Hispanic National Merit Scholar. He has played soccer for four years.
Tyler Garrison Lightner Scammahorn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Scammahorn, attends The Brook Hill School, where he has won academic and service awards for three years. He was invited and attended the Leadership Program at Sky Ranch. He has many certifications in Adobe. He plans to major in finance and attend a law school.
Andrew Cashen Short, son of Dr. Hope and Mr. John Short, attends Grace Community High School, where he serves as a Student Government officer and is in the National Honor Society. He is a Texas Bank and Trust Student Board member and plays soccer for FC Dallas East Team and his high school.
Bailey Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James B. Currin and Mr. C. Todd Smith, attended Robert E. Lee High School, and graduated from John H. Guyer High School in Denton in 2017. She attends Baylor University, where she is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and is on the dean’s list for academic achievement.
Jefferson Gage Stillwell, son of Dr. and Mrs. Guy Danielson and Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Stillwell, attends All Saints Episcopal School. He plans to attend Texas Tech University and study mechanical engineering.
Charles Glenn Stone III, son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Glenn Stone Jr., attends Robert E. Lee High School, where he is director of the National Honor Society. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy summer session, is on the Texas Bank and Trust Student Board and participated in the University of North Carolina Ethics Bowl. He plans to attend the University of Virginia.
Jackson Henry Stone, son of Dr. and Mrs. Brian Henry Stone, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where he is on the baseball team and is in the National Honor Society. He is on the Student Council and is in Young Life. He plans to attend the University of Mississippi.
Madelaine Grace Thomas, daughter of Ms. Melanie Morris Thomas and Mr. Jeffery Lane Thomas, attends Robert E. Lee High School, where she is a junior sergeant of the Southern Belles drill team and is in the Key Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is in the top 10 percent of her class. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas.
Stella Caroline Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Thomas, attends Grace Community High School, where she is in the National Honor Society and Young Republicans. She is on the basketball and golf teams. She has attended Camp Mystic for nine summers and is active in Grace Student Ministries. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, where she received a merit scholarship.
Alexandria Isabella Trainer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacky Ouin II and the late Mr. John Trainer, attends All Saints Episcopal School, where she is a cheerleader and on the soccer team. She is president of the Art Club and has won awards for her art. She volunteers at The Salvation Army. She plans to study graphic design and marketing.
Hannah Claire Wilson, daughter of Ms. Amie Wilson and Mr. Ryan A. Wilson, attends Bishop Gorman Catholic School, where she in the National Honor Society and on the Student Council. She is a TAPPS Division 1 First Team All-State cheerleader and a state qualifier in track. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas.
