The Pride And Joy Of Madison, And Connecticut!

State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda presented the Daniel Hand High School choir Vibe to her fellow legislators Wednesday.

Vibe, directed by DHHS music teacher Ronald Soja, had another stellar year, capped off recently by a 13th place showing in a national competition in Chicago.

"They've had an incredible year," Kokodua, R-Madison. "It's been pretty exciting."

She said Vibe was the "pride and joy" of Connecticut, and that they also were state champions. "They represent Connecticut," Kokoruda said.

Kokoruda praised Soja as a "dedicated teacher and leader ... It's amazing what he's brought to our community," Kokoruda said of Soja. She also said the choir received an enormous amount of support from Daniel Hand High School administrators, espescially "their wonderful Vice Principal Dan Zittoun."

Vibe sang a selection of songs to the state legislature, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.

Below is a statement from State Representative Noreen Kokoruda on the pride she felt having the DHHS "Vibe" Show Coir visit and perform at the State House Wednesday:

"Today we had the honor of welcoming to the House Chamber Madison's pride and joy and Connecticut's Champions, Daniel Hand High School's 'Vibe' Show Choir. Their incredible performance left the entire House of Representatives standing in awe as they sang and played a compellation by Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon. I want to thank Director, Ron Soja for his dedication and vision. These student's lives have been brightened by their experiences and successes in school - their talent serves as a great reminder to us all about the importance of music in education.

I would like to thank the parents, teachers, administrators and members of our community who have supported this group. Also, thank you to the Durham School Services Bus Company for their generous donation of bus service so the students could come up to Hartford today and perform at the State Capitol. This is a day that the legislature and the students will not soon forget," said Representative Noreen Kokoruda, R-Madison.