WOW – Kari Ann Bragg Honored

     As was stated in the previous post, Kari Bragg graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in the school’s 140^th Commencement Ceremony in Henderson, TN.  Kari received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Secondary Education.  She was a summa cum laude (Latin for: “summa cum laude “) graduate with a perfect, 4.0 grade point average. Kari was also recognized as being a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society.

     In looking over the graduation program I noticed that a special presentation would be made recognizing the one student who best epitomizes the values of FHU, academic excellence, leadership qualities both within the student body and in the local community.  The recipient of the Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal, the highest honor for the graduating class, is chosen by the faculty members and is awarded to one individual in each graduating class.  As I reflected the father in me knew that Kari should win.  As Dr. Samuel T, Jones came to the podium to announce the winner of the 2009 Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal he explained the history,  importance, nomination process, and the five qualities the award represents.  Then he began the introduction by stated that this years winner was a music major (I thought, “could it be??”).  Then he kept saying, “she,” and that she was a honor’s student (my mind began trying to wrap around the idea that he could very well be talking about Kari).  His next words were, “She was the founding member of Main Street Fuzion …” (an acapella group whose presentations included popular music and 

spiritual  selections).  I could not be more proud that Kari was to be recognized by her instructors (and many other faculty members who never even had her in their classes) for her hard work while a student at FHU.

     So congratulations again to Kari for so admirably completing her course of study at FHU.  Congratulations for winning the 2009 Faculty Scholarship-Leadership Medal.  Congratulations for your new teaching position in Clinton, MO.  We are so proud of you!!!

Congratulations Kari Bragg

     Last Monday Kari Bragg had her first interview for a music teacher position.  She met with Clinton, MO middle school principal, visited with the retiring music teacher and took a tour of the music room (next fall, with the opening of a new high school, the middle school will move to the old high school).  She would, in addition to teaching general music classes, also direct the middle school choral program. 

The interview went well, and she was told that she would get a call on Friday about the position, even if someone else were offered the job.  So she was surprised, and pleased to be offered the position Thursday morning.

     Clinton, MO is just a few miles southeast of Kansas City, MO.  There are two nearby colleges nearby where she can pursue her graduate studies in music education.  The Clinton school and community seems to be vary supportive of the arts, and it seems to be a very good match for Kari.

     From a very young age it was clear to us that Kari would be a teacher.   Then when she began to sing, and learned to play a wide variety of instruments, we were pretty sure that she would be a music teacher.  And there is little doubt that she will be a popular and effective music teacher. 

     Mom and Dad are also pleased that she will live fairly close to their Cape Girardeau home.

     Congratulations Kari!!!!!!