(Submitted photo and press release.)

On Sept.  20, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School seventh-grader Madelynn Pimm presented a $1,000 donation to Byron-Bergen Music Boosters, in conjunction with the Byron-Bergen Music Department.

Madelynn had approached several influential business owners and members of the community with her idea to sponsor the growth of music in Byron-Bergen Schools. This summer, during the Genesee County Fair 4-H Auction, Madelynn sold two lambs for $1,000. 

Madelynn credits her commitment to music to her music teachers Robert Lancia and Karen Tischer who have always encouraged her to reach for the high notes. This past spring, Madelynn, along with five other students, had the honor of playing "Taps" at the Challenger Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Lancia was present at the presentation and shared a few words of thanks with Madelynn and her parents Norm and Colleen Pimm.

He said that when you hear about a donation of this magnitude from anyone, you are taken aback. However, to receive this gift from such a young member of our community is awe-inspiring.

Tara Van Skiver, president of Byron-Bergen Music Boosters, said, “An act like this exemplifies true character. Madelynn's donation will be put to right back into the hands of our students. We will use the donation to purchase a portable recording unit. The software and sound mixing equipment will allow students to record entire concerts or individual performances.

"Even more exciting, they will be able to mix, edit, and engineer post-production recordings. This practical application of sound editing software and mixing equipment will expose the students to the world of music production and sound engineering.”

The Byron-Bergen Music Boosters’ mission is to support music and arts education in and around our community.

“Our hope is that one student's generosity will serve to preserve and inspire future musicians in our community for years to come,” Van Skiver said.