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HMS choir director TJ Timmerman and his choir students, both of past and present, shared an emotional tribute to his son in their spring choir concert, uniting both students and families.

During the concert, Timmerman premiered a commissioned choral work titled “Joy.”, created in his son Arthur’s memory. The piece was composed by J Reese Norris, with piano music by Dr. Saundra Bishop. The piece was made possible through the generosity of students, families and colleagues, who came together last year to help fund the commission after Timmerman and his wife experienced the loss of their son. The performance carried special meaning for the students who sang it. Many were in Timmerman’s choir last year and walked alongside him during one of the most difficult seasons of his life.

Houston Middle School student Shyla Jayashankar turned a winter break project into a major achievement, winning the regional National Civics Bee and advancing to the state competition with a real-world solution to a community issue.

The Civics Bee incorporates elements of a spelling bee and debate, challenging students through two rounds of civics questions and a third round Q&A in front of a panel of judges. Students also submit an essay proposing a solution to a community issue. Shyla’s idea focused on improving how residents dispose of hazardous waste in Germantown. Her proposal suggested a more convenient system where households could place small hazardous waste bins alongside regular trash collection, making hazardous waste disposal easier and more accessible for families.