ABILENE – More than 60 Abilene High and Cooper students combined qualified for the University Interscholastic League State Solo and Ensemble contests by earning a first division rating on memorized Class I solos at the Region 6 East Zone competition on Feb. 1 at McMurry.

Qualifying for the state contest from Abilene High were: Shelby Anders, Leann Bailey, Addison Brewer, Mia Flores, Bradie Flores, Vicky Gao, Travis Hatch, Abagail Hernandez, Hannah Hillis, Sidney Irwin, Brian Lester, Jordan Mathis, Ali McElhaney, Alan Mercer, Molly Mercer, Mia Mirelez, Hansen Penya, Natalie Porter, Osbaldo Rivera, Lindsay Rogers, Valeria Rueda Villamarin, Kylee Russell, Mira Savage, Raegan Schmidt, Makenna Simmons, Madi Sipe, Harrison Smith, Bennett Sullivan, Griffin Sullivan, Maddie Thomas, Abbie Waldrop, and Nathan Wilson.

Qualifying for the state contest from Cooper were: Gabe Banks, Julie Bewane, Timothy Castillo, Trevor Cox, Rachelle Dehesa, Parker Durden, Lynzee Ellison, Tinsley Ellison, Ryann Evans, Brayden Flores, Mya Gonzales, Allison Hermann, Derek Jones, Julianne Joynes, Gabie Lopez, Ian Martin, Clancy McInroe, David McRae, Noa Moore, Cherance Mpoy, Chetiace Mpoy, Morgan Pedroza, Carrmin Ray, Gabby Sanchez, Kyla Speights, Hallie Stone, Jeremiah Thomas, Mariah Valdez, Kadence Viel, Karyncia Walker, Haven Young, Jackson Young, and Leora Young.

Cooper students earning an excellent rating on a Class I solo were:  Icinik Banks, Levi Bryan, Emani Davis, Camryn Haley, Taylor Lancaster, Amanda Mora, Madison Thebo, and Kattie Wetsel.

Abilene High students earning a First division rating on a Class III solo were:  Dawn Ballard, Caelan Barbarick, Haley Cadena, Madison Christopher, Eleanor Emery, Evelyn Graham, McKynsie Hancock, Karlie Stotts, and Ava Walters.

CHS students earning a First division rating on a Class III solo were:  Drake Boyd and Brykveon Walker.

The UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest will be May 30-June at the University of Texas at Austin. The Abilene High School choirs are under the direction of Wendy Weeks and Remel Derrick. The Cooper High School choirs are under the direction of Cara Naizer and Josh Westman.