On Friday, May 8th, 2026, Newport High School Chorus participated in the Music In the Parks festival at Dorney Park. 

To start the day, the choir gathered on two vans to go to the adjudication site, Kutztown High School, where they would sing two pieces: “Praise His Holy Name,” arranged by Keith Hampton, and “One Last Song,” arranged by Garrett Breeze. The Newport High School Choir was directed by Rebecca Wiles, along with her sister, Amy Finnerty, who accompanied her on the piano. Students were directed to wear any Newport shirt, along with jeans to match the group.

Next, the chorus was ushered to Dorney Park to enjoy a fun day. The weather was cloudy, which made the air colder, and it rained for a couple of hours. Around 5:45 PM, every school that participated in Music In the Parks gathered in one area for an exciting moment–awards. Newport, being the only high school there, unfortunately, could not participate in the ongoing competition, but they still won awards. They won first place in the excellent category, along with the rarest award to earn, Esprit de Core. The de Core award is earned for good behavior around the park and at the adjudication site. 

Sophomore Hunter Erney says, “[I] was pretty proud of the entire team for winning it, as we earned it and deserved it.” The Dorney Park Music In the Parks competition marks the second-to-last concert for the Newport High School Choir until May 20th, where Newport Elementary, Middle School, Minivation, High School, and Innovation will sing for the final time this school year.