The middle school’s show choir, Minivation, the spunky feeder group for Innovation, attended a unique singing opportunity in Washington, D.C. on May 9-10, 2025. The ensemble, accompanied by their directors, Mrs. Amy Finnerty and Mrs. Rebecca Wiles, joined hundreds of other young vocalists on the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument Amphitheater steps.  

Upon their arrival in DC on Friday, the students visited several memorials before joining a rehearsal with founder, clinician, and educator John Jacobson, who led them through the choreography for the combined numbers.  Eighth grader Madi Bailor and seventh grader David Stewart participated in an audition-style workshop where Jacobson critiqued their performances.  “He [Jacobson] was really chill and helpful,” says Stewart.  

On Saturday, the students performed a 15-minute show followed by massed finales.  Jacobson and a group of his friends formed America Sings!, Inc. in 1988 and launched a nonprofit charitable organization based on the idea that amateur vocalists could make a positive impact not only on their community but also in the cities in which they perform.  To date, singers from all fifty states have benefited from Jacobson’s dream of hosting a non-competitive, outdoor choral festival with service projects.