Xavier High School’s varsity show choir Xhilaration has been racking up various awards over the past few weeks.

Xhilaration competed at the Mt. Pleasant “Music In Motion” Invitational on February 4 and Benton Community High School’s “A Touch of Class” on February 11. They were named grand champions  at both competitions. Xavier’s Xuberance competed at “A Touch of Class” as well; the group placed third in the prep division.

“It’s pretty exciting,” senior Joy Schnoebelen said. “The last time Xhilaration won multiple grand championships was in 2010.”

They were also awarded best vocals, best choreography, and best costumes at both competitions. Winning first place, best vocals, and best choreography at a competition is commonly referred to as a “sweep.” “Music In Motion” was Xhilaration director Mr. Matt Walker’s first sweep ever.

“I was very happy for my students,” Mr. Walker said. “I know how hard they have worked over the past several months.”

At “A Touch of Class,” Xhilaration received the “High Energy” award, and junior Nolan Pithan was named the “Best Male Soloist,” for his solo in the group’s ballad “Flares.”

“I was shocked,” Pithan said. “It was incredible, and I didn’t expect it.”

There are many aspects that go into the choreography, vocals, and costumes. The choreographers for the group are Tori Burns and Jarad Voss. The costume work is done by a group of show choir mothers who volunteer their time to make sure the show choir looks good on stage.

“We would like to thank everyone in the Xavier community that has come out to support us this year,” Mr. Walker said. “We go up against some of the best groups in the Midwest every single weekend, and to have so many come out and support us . . . we are truly blessed.”

Xhilaration will compete next at Kennedy’s “Raise the Roof” on  February  25 at 4:55 p.m