I attended the fall WAHS musical showcase on Tuesday. Williamsport Area School District has one of the top programs in the galaxy. I always walk away feeling grand. The band is fantastic. The choirs are, too. The Orchestra is outstanding. These kids put on a performance. They look stunning in their matching tuxedos and dresses. I am so impressed with the number of different faces. All walks of life. A true melting pot of kids. Beautiful. I recognized several student-athletes on the stage. From football to cross country. Basketball to tennis. Swimming and volleyball. Yes. Every major sports team was represented. It was great.

“We are incredibly proud of our well-rounded students,” Orchestra maestro Matt Radspinner shared, “It is not uncommon for 50% of our band, orchestra, and choir students to also participate in a varsity sport throughout the school year.”

There was one gal in particular. What an impressive kid. I went to school with her mother, and I know her older brother. Dude? She is a senior? Nylah Ford is a fantastic student. She is involved with so many things. National Honors Society. Homecoming. Gymnastics. Orchestra. Yes. There is more. Nylah has a great smile, and she is a soccer queen. The talented striker was on track for 50 goals. But Ford was sidelined with a few injuries. She had to shift gears.

“I had to bounce back from an MCL/ACL sprain from the summer,” Nylah said. “I worked really hard to get back on the field. Then, I was told that I needed to sit out another six weeks with a bad hamstring. I got right back to rehab. Worked even harder. I made it a goal to play on Senior Night. I did what I could. I was able to make it, and I helped my team advance to the District Finals.”

Nylah is driven. There was no way she was going to miss the last few weeks of her senior campaign. Ford rehabbed and made it back in just 14 days. She was in uniform for Senior Night. Nylah even scored three goals — a hat trick in the semis. Welcome back, kid. The Millionaires were nipped in the Championship. It was one of those nights.

“I really wanted to get to 50,” Nylah continued. “I wanted All-State, but with the injuries, everything changed. I created new goals. Continued to work to get back to doing what I love. My scholastic career is sadly over. But I can’t wait for that next chapter.”

School comes first, and Nylah has outstanding grades. She has played the violin since the fourth grade, and she still enjoys it. Nylah also works a few nights at Dynamats, teaching youth gymnastics. She does it all.

“Nylah is a dedicated member of the Sinfonietta Orchestra,” Radspinner added. “She serves as the Principal Second Violin. Nylah exemplifies what it means to be a student-musician. Showing both exceptional leadership and commitment to her craft. She is one talented gal.”

Nylah Ford recently signed with California University of Pennsylvania. She will play soccer for the Vulcans next fall. Nylah is super excited about the opportunity and wants to study Law. Fantastic stuff, kid. We are all so proud. Keep doing it all. Cheers.