Central Dewitt Hall of Fame Induction Class 2016

Central Dewitt Hall of Fame Induction Class 2016

Connie Vickers is a 1970 graduate. As a student she was involved in Student Council, Future Teachers of America, NHS and served as the Class President. She was an All-State Vocalist, Mixed Chorus President and won a National Coral Award. She continued her love of music and volunteered as an accompanist at Central, work spanning 40 years. She was a member of the Music Boosters for over 15 years and President for 3 years. She was a founding member of the Ol’ Majestic Players and a vocalist/accompanist for many church/community organizations. For 20 years she has been teaching piano to over 40 youth a week in her home music studio.

To say Connie Vickers’ love for music has been instrumental in shaping the lives and even careers of the young people she has worked with over the years would be an understatement. The 1970 graduate of Central De. Witt Community High School was a vocalist and accompanist for many church, school, and community organizations – including state solo and ensemble contests on the high school level – for more than 40 years. And for more than 20 years, she has been teaching piano from her home in rural De. Witt. Close friend Joane Dixon of De. Witt said her daughters, Tyra and Tanesha, took voice lessons from Vickers growing up. Now, as an adult, Tyra still actively performs in shows and plays, and Tanesha sings in her church choir. “Connie helped them develop a skill they can use in their lives, ” Dixon said. “And they love it. As a parent, I am so appreciate what she did for them. She was always so encouraging, patient and upbeat. That’s what makes her a great teacher, and my kids loved her for it. She’s such a blessing. ”

Another family friend, Gaylon Heetland, formerly of De. Witt who now lives in Cedar Rapids, said because of Vickers, his daughter, Emma, decided to become a piano teacher. She also happens to be the only piano teacher in Odessa, Washington. And his son, Alex, is a full-time music professional who is living in New Delhi, India, for two years to teach choir and theater. “She has made quite an impact on our family for sure, ” Heetland said. “Connie just loves kids, period. And she loves music. ” Retired vocal director Carolyn Eggleston had Vickers as a student in high school, as well as Vickers’ children. She remembers the all-state soprano being a hard worker. “I probably couldn’t say enough nice things about her, ” Eggleston said. “She loved music and gave it her all. ” Vickers was active as an officer in many high school organizations, serving as class president for three years. She accompanied the girls glee club, was president of mixed chorus, and was an all-state vocalist her senior year.

Vickers’ devotion to the district continued into adulthood, as she was an active Music Boosters member for more than 15 years, and served as president for three. She also was a founding member of the Ol’ Majestic Players, and was a crewmember, musical director, and actress in many productions. Dixon said while Vickers is a very modest soul, her capacity for kindness and tremendous musical talent deserves recognition. Eggleston could not agree more. “She is just such a good example for the kids, ” Eggleston said. “She inspires people just being who she is. She’s just a special person and good role model. ”

Inducted for Outstanding Contributions as a Friend Connie Vickers is a 1970 graduate of Central. She has also served as a friend of our fine arts programs for many years since her graduation. It takes a great deal of time and a big effort for any of our programs to run successfully. It is often accomplished with the help of those behind the scenes and out of the spotlight who are not always recognized for all they do to make that success possible. That describes the outstanding contributions of Connie Vickers to our school. As a Central student, Connie was very active in school organizations. She was involved in many activities, including Student Council, Future Teachers of America and NHS. There were no female sports at that time or she certainly would have participated in them as well. She often took on leadership roles and served as the Class President for 3 years. She enjoyed music and got involved as an accompanist for the Girls Glee Club under the direction of Carolyn Eggleston. She was a member of the Mixed Chorus and held the office of President. She was an All-State Vocalist her senior year and won a National Coral Award. Of no ones surprise, 3 of her children (Andrew, Philip and Rachel) also won the same award as high school students. After high school, Connie attended the University of Northern Iowa where she was a Vocal major finishing her degree at Clinton Community College as a Registered Nurse. She worked in emergency medicine in Clinton and married Matt in 1972. She continued her

love of music and volunteered as an accompanist at the school working with, Carolyn Eggleston, Sandy Malahy, Jeannie Dean and Noah Cornelius, work spanning 40 years if you include her high school years. She played for practice, programs, solo and ensemble contests. One highlight involved 4 events earning Best Performance at the State level and being selected to perform in Ames. Her biggest thrill was becoming so invested in the students and wanting them to succeed. She also was involved in the leadership of our music department while being an active member of our Music Boosters for over 15 years and serving as President for 3. She was a founding member of the Ol’ Majestic Players and over the years of productions served as crew, actress and musical director for many productions. A favorite production was Oklahoma, which embraced a large cast of local actors of all ages. In our community she has also shared her love, passion and skill in music. She has been both a vocalist and accompanist for many church and community organizations and has been teaching piano in her home music studio for over 40 youth a week, which was established over 20 years ago. Her family includes husband Matt and children Andrew (Music Teacher), Nick (The non Starving Artist), Phillip (Chicago Musician) and Rachel (Professional Opera at the Minnesota Opera, now in QC Music Guild productions). Please help me welcome the newest member of the Central De. Witt High School Hall of Fame, 2016 inductee… Connie Vickers.