Chatham High School senior Elizabeth Stuart was honored last month at the 38th Annual Governor’s Awards Ceremony at the War Memorial in Trenton for her acceptance into the New Jersey All-State Mixed Chorus.

Stuart received a Governor’s Award in Vocal Performance.

She was one of six from Chatham High School to be accepted into the chorus, and was the only alto to be accepted. More than 1,100 students auditioned for All-State, 350 were accepted.

In the competition, she scored in the top four competitors in the state. Because of her standing, she was nominated for consideration for a Governor’s Award. Ultimately she was one of four students from across the state to receive a Governor’s Award in Singing.

The criteria for this decision involves consideration of her ranking, her successful part testing while at All-State, a letter of recommendation from her chorus teacher, and her performance experience at CHS and within the larger community.

At the Governor’s Awards Ceremony, Stuart received a medal and certificate for her achievement as All-State Mixed Chorus recipient. This recognition also earned her the opportunity to open the program with the singing of the National Anthem.

“I am so grateful that I was also given the opportunity to perform at the ceremony,’’ Stuart said.  “Having the opportunity to compete and win the Vocal Performance Governor’s Award has been such an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to continue music further in the future.”

CHS Chorus teacher Kenneth Bryson said: “I am immensely proud of all of Elizabeth’s accomplishments in singing. I think receiving the Governor’s Award in Singing is truly the icing on the cake for her high school career. It is really quite an honor for her and speaks volumes as to her talent and love for singing and music. I can not think of a more deserving student for this award.”