Senior Spotlight

Each week we will be featuring a new set of senior choir members.

Claire Lollar

Hi! My name is Claire Elyse Lollar. I am the daughter of Brent and Becky Lollar and younger sister to Ally Lollar. I have participated in the choir program for 4 years, including one year of Debtones and 3 years of Sound System, CG Singers, and Trojanettes. I served as an Assistant Dance Captain my junior year and am currently serving as the Main Dance Captain for Sound System.

My favorite choir memory is when we beat Los Alamitos Sound FX at Wheaton Warrenville my sophomore year. They are a well-known and competitive group, so it was very rewarding when we found out that we had won. I also really enjoyed getting to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and I’m very excited to do it again this year!

I am involved in a lot of activities outside of choir such as the fall musical, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (leadership), competitive dance at The Dance Refinery, Mount Pleasant Christian Church worship teams, Engage (high school ministry), and volunteering in Bibleopolis (elementary ministry).

Ever since I was 18 months old, I have been performing. Whether I’m singing, dancing, or acting, the stage and being underneath the bright lights has felt like a second home. I have been performing in musicals since I was eight and have been dancing for 17 years (10 of those years competitively). In the coming year, my plan is to attend college and study Musical Theatre. My dream is to one day perform for Disney, whether that be in the parks or on their cruise line, and to share those stories by bringing the magic to life for families.

I would like to first thank my parents for allowing me to do what I love and for always being my #1 supporters. I really appreciate everything they’ve done for me and for pushing me to be the best version of myself. I’d also like to thank my sister for being such an amazing role model for me and for always being there for me. Lastly, I would like to thank Mrs. Dice, Mr. Norman, and Mr. Sanders for giving me the incredible opportunities I’ve had and for teaching me the importance of hard work and dedication. I have loved being a part of the choir program and I will miss it dearly.

Jonah Smith

My name is Jonah Carson Smith, and I am proud to be a senior at Center Grove High School. I am the son of Todd and Bekah Smith, and I have two awesome brothers, Eli and Wilson, who have always been part of my biggest support system.

As a young kid, I spent a lot of time around the choir department. Both of my brothers were in show choir, so I attended many concerts and competitions. I loved participating in the Christmas shows and fall fest, and I even got to perform in the opening number of the “Greatest Show” competition set. Despite playing sports in middle school, I always knew I wanted to dedicate my time to choir in high school.

I’ve had the privilege of being a member of Sound System for the past four years and CG Singers for the past three. I was an Assistant Dance Captain my junior year, and now am the Dance Captain. Choir has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience, and I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. One of my all-time favorite choir moments was during my sophomore year when we defeated the Carmel Ambassadors at the Franklin Central competition. The energy was electric, emotions were running high, and it felt like all of our hard work had finally paid off. It was a night I’ll never forget.

Outside of choir, I’ve been involved with several other activities that have helped shape my high school journey. I’m an active member of the Riley Club here at CGHS, have played in the CLC basketball rec league for the past three years, and I also lead the all-male a cappella group, Sh’Boom alongside Ethan Wood and Max Fosnot, which has been a great creative outlet and leadership opportunity.

Looking ahead, I plan to attend Indiana University and study business at the Kelley School of Business. I’m excited for what the future holds and am incredibly grateful for the experiences and friendships I’ve made through choir and beyond.

Lastly, I want to thank every member of my family—especially my parents and brothers—for being such an amazing support system throughout these years. I wouldn’t be who I am without you.