Student Profile
Mackenzie Daigle
Singing has been my passion since I was seven years old. I chose Northfield Mount Hermon partly because the school is known for its singing. When I was a freshman, I joined choir. From the very first day, Sheila Heffernon, the school’s choral and vocal director, took me under her wing and helped me gain confidence and courage on the stage.
I’ve been the lead vocalist for the NMH Jazz Combo for two years. Trying out for the spot was nerve-wracking and fun at the same time. I had an audition with Ron Smith, the director of the combo; I sang for about twenty minutes while he played the piano, and then we talked about what the position would entail. I was overjoyed when I learned I’d gotten it. My repertoire includes “No Woman No Cry,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” and “Stormy Weather.” We perform at alumni functions, Family Days, all-school meetings, and other NMH events.
My experience with the jazz combo helped me to win a full scholarship to a summer jazz program at the University of Massachusetts. I performed in a concert at UMass, and when I looked into the audience, I recognized an NMH English teacher—Mr. Block. He had traveled 30 miles in the middle of summer to listen to my performance. I was so surprised. I never had a class with him or even knew him very well, but he still came out to support me.
At NMH I’ve learned that it’s okay to be an individual and to not always conform to what everyone else is doing. Students here are more broad-minded and less judging because the school is so diverse. You’re not socially categorized as just an artsy person or just an athlete. You can be whoever you desire to be and never be made fun of.
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