The Sammies, St. Angela Merici Catholic School’s student choir, are stepping into the national spotlight.
On Sept. 7, under the leadership of music specialist Jacquelyn McGlynn, the choir was to perform live with Rik Emmett of Triumph and acclaimed guitarist Donna Grantis at the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame.
For The Sammies, this milestone is the latest chapter in a remarkable journey. Over the past year, they have performed across southwestern Ontario, appeared in the national Music Monday video with Emmett, and earned top honours in the 2025 CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge.
Their creativity and passion were also recognized when McGlynn received the national Outstanding Teacher Award, which helped bring steel pan drums into their classroom and onto the stage.
“This invitation is a tribute to Jacquelyn’s extraordinary musical leadership and to the talent and perseverance of our students,” said Lisa Demers, director of education with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. “Through the Sammies, Jacquelyn has inspired a love of music that has resonated across our system. We are truly blessed to have her guiding our students as they achieve such remarkable milestones.”
The Sammies are embracing what McGlynn calls a dream come true.
“The Sammies are very deserving of this honour. I am truly proud of their talent, passion, energy and dedication” she said. “To stand on stage performing live with Rik Emmett and Donna Grantis is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and is an experience we will never forget. Music holds the secret to connection and belonging, and I have seen how it empowers our students to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.”
