Confidence in Every Note: Rising Stars Shine at Witmer Heights Mennonite Church
There are moments when growth becomes visible, not just in skill, but in confidence, courage, and connection. This past Sunday was one of those moments for our Rising Stars students as they shared their gifts with the congregation at Witmer Heights Mennonite Church.
Under the guidance of Rising Stars Program Director Janet Rawleigh and music teacher Allan Dutton, a group of young musicians stepped forward with both talent and grace. Liviana and Kaydee opened the service with a beautiful rendition of “Ode to Joy,” setting a tone of joy and reverence from the very first notes.
Later in the service, they were joined by Leilah and Lily. Together, the girls sang, introduced themselves, and engaged warmly with the congregation, demonstrating not only their musical growth but also their growing confidence.
Janet shared,
“The girls who performed on Sunday… sounded beautiful! … It brings me joy to see how these young ladies have learned to be confident and respond kindly to unknown adults who want to speak with them.”
That confidence was on full display, not just during the performance, but afterward as well. Many members of the congregation took time to speak with the students, offering encouragement and appreciation. Each interaction became an opportunity for the girls to practice kindness, communication, and poise in a real-world setting.
A special highlight of the morning was Leilah’s leadership as she guided the group in “Ride On, King Jesus.” Her presence and confidence helped bring the performance together, reflecting the leadership skills that are continuing to grow within our students.
These moments matter. They are about more than music. They are about young people discovering their voice, learning to stand confidently in front of others, and experiencing the joy of sharing their gifts.
At SWAN, we believe that when students are given opportunities to grow in both skill and character, something powerful happens. They begin to see themselves differently. They begin to believe in what they can do.
And sometimes, that belief starts with a simple step forward… and a song.
