Oak Park Choir seeks military photos
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The Oak Park High School Choir wants the families of current and past United States military personnel to know they are cared about, especially during the holiday season when their loved ones may be serving far away in Iraq or Afghanistan.

At the choir's annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 6 at the high school, a slide show featuring photographs of Oak Park families' relatives in the armed forces will be shown during the performance of "One Candle," by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher.

The choir is asking the community to submit photographs they would like to have included in the presentation.

"We want these family members to know that we care, that we are so proud of the service and courage, that their loved ones have sacrificed for our freedom, and we want them to know that they are not alone- that we are thinking of them," said Heidi Cissell, choir director.

The choir came up with the idea as a way to use their talents "in a more meaningful way," Cissell said.

"Oftentimes our young people feel that the war is so far away, that their own 'comfortable, secure' community isn't really affected by the war, when in fact the Middle East conflict has made an impact on so many lives, so many more than we are aware of," Cissell said.

She described "One Candle" as a "song of hope for peace." The composition describes the strength one can have that sparks others to unite in bringing about peace: "Your candlelight with mine will radiate and shine, growing stronger, for all the world to see- you and me."

"This is a wonderful way for our high school to recognize our Oak Park families and embrace the community," Cissell said.

Submissions may be sent to Rebecca Fondiler at beccabuny@aol.com or Cissell at hcissell@opusd.k12.ca.us. Include the soldier's name, dates of service and an address that can be posted where choir students and audience members can write to soldiers or their families.