Reporter's Notebook - PHS choir takes championship

PORTALES — For the second time in three years, members of the Portales High School Chamber Choir are state champions.

The choir bested six other schools in the 4A category to earn the distinction at the New Mexico Activities Association State Choir Contest held in Rio Rancho last weekend.

Choir Director James Golden said the choir, made up of 19 students, needed to previously earn a Superior rating from the New Mexico Activities Association in order to compete at the state competition.

Golden, who also directed the choir to a state championship in 2016, hoped the victory would help put a spotlight on the performing arts at PHS.

“One senior came up and told me, ‘Thank you for letting me know what it means to be a state champion,’” Golden said.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman