Student Spotlight: Shelby Crisp

In the Colonial School District, all third grade students learn The Star-Spangled Banner. However, not all of the third graders perform it like Conshohocken Elementary School’s Shelby Crisp. 

Shelby entered the “Get Excited for the Red, White, and Blue” national anthem singing contest and was named the Pennsylvania state winner for the K-8 category on May 5. 

“I’m proud of myself for studying the words and doing the whole thing by myself,” said the third grader, who is used to singing the national anthem with a group. “I did not expect to be a finalist. I’m very surprised!" 

Conshohocken Elementary music teacher Jen Walls announced the contest to members of the school’s Coyote Chorus and helped the students interested in participating to record their entries. 

"Shelby is an extremely talented musician who is an outstanding performer in the music program here at CE,” said Ms. Walls. “She has an electric stage presence and has an obvious love for all things music.”

The contest was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary. Entries were judged on vocal ability, mastery of lyrics, originality, interpretation, and entertainment value. Shelby won the district contest on the way to the state competition.  

“The judges at the Conshohocken VFW felt that Shelby did great in each category,” said Meghan Burns, Junior Vice President at the VFW Auxiliary District 16. “Her passion, patriotism, and personality shined through.”

In addition to singing in the Coyote Chorus and for the third grade show at Conshohocken Elementary School, Shelby also participates in the Pennsylvania Girlchoir and credits her parents, her choir teacher Mrs. Shiek, and Ms. Walls for encouraging her musically. 

“I’m also inspired to keep singing by watching other singers like Pink and Taylor Swift," said Shelby. “It’s so much fun, and I just love to do it!”

As the state finalist, Shelby qualified for the national level. National winners will be announced at the VFW Auxiliary Annual Convention in late July.