Empower Violet's Dream: Blue Lake International Choir

I am so proud of Violet's determination and hard work as a young musician! To see her grow from a quiet and shy 6th grader has been wonderful. If you consider helping Violet on this exciting journey with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, we'd be so grateful! If you would also help Violet spread the word by sharing her story that would be AMAZING!

In her own words:

My name is Violet Stokes. I'm a junior at Allendale High School, and I've been granted the amazing opportunity to travel to Europe for the Blue Lake International Program!

I've always had a love for music, singing along to the radio and Disney songs since I was very young. I was born in California to my parents Sylvia and Jordan and grew up alongside my two older brothers. Thirteen years ago this November, I lost my father to a vehicle accident just two days after my fourth birthday. This left my mother a young widow with three children to raise on her own. She decided to move to Michigan in hopes of a better life and more opportunities for my brothers and me.

As I started to grow, my joy for music grew along with me, but I never knew my full potential. In the 6th grade, a few other students and I were granted the opportunity to try out for State Honors Choir for the first time. I decided to go for it, and I was accepted! I was able to sing with a select group of young people from all over the state of Michigan in the Grand Rapids DeVos Performance Hall. At my 8th-grade celebration, I was one of two students awarded the Fred Waring Director’s Award for chorus. This honor was quickly followed by my acceptance into the Select Women's Ensemble for Allendale High School. I continue to maintain my status in SWE throughout my high school years and have sung my own solos in multiple concerts. I was accepted to Regional Honors Choir in my sophomore and junior years. Every summer since 8th grade, I've attended and received alumni scholarships upon my return to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp each year! All the while maintaining good grades, receiving singing lessons, volunteering for National Honors Society, and even managing ADHD with anxiety.

Being able to travel is not an opportunity that comes often or easy for someone in my circumstances. During this trip to these new places and experiences, I hope to learn more about different cultures, gain more independence, be an excellent representative of Blue Lake and my school, and leave a lasting impression for those that will come after me. I want nothing more than to expand my musical horizons and grow my voice and myself to the fullest potential. I am grateful and appreciative of any assistance that can bring me closer to my musical aspirations.