U.S. Coast Guard Academy Glee Club will travel to the 109 this week to perform concerts for students and the community as well as provide information about the academy.
A group of 35 cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. will perform in the 109 at Paschal High School and Arborlawn United Methodist Church as well as other venues around the city.
Among the cadets are 2010 Paschal graduate and 3rd Class Cadet John Dierker. He said most performances include a 45 minute concert and a session afterwards for cadets to share their experiences and provide information about the academy and serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.
With the closest Coast Guard sector in Houston, many students and Fort Worth residents may not even be aware of opportunities with the Coast Guard Dierker said.
The glee club has traveled to places such as New York City, Washington, D.C. and as far away as Italy he said. However, for many of the cadets this will be their first visit to Texas.
The glee club’s trip to Fort Worth originated when Dierker’s parents visited the academy. Dierker and his parents suggested to Glee Club Director Dr. Robert G. Newton that the glee club should visit Fort Worth.
From there Dierker and his mother Kathy Dierker, who is also school nurse at Paschal High School, began to make contacts to find places for the glee club to perform.
John Dierker said he was thrilled for his fellow cadets to experience all Fort Worth has to offer. While here cadets will visit the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Joe T. Garcias and Mama’s Pizza among other Fort Worth destinations Kathy Dierker said.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy offers a four-year undergraduate program. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, cadets will serve a five-year commission as an officer in the Coast Guard. Some will go on to serve life-long careers in the Coast Guard.
U.S. Coast Guard Glee Club will perform:
Thursday, Feb. 2
Paschal High School, 10 a.m.
Northside High School, 1:15 p.m.
Como Elementary after school care, 4 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 3
Lake Worth High School, 9 a.m.
Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, 2:30 p.m.
Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo, National Anthem, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Free community concert at Arborlawn United Methodist Church, 7 p.m.
