News releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/11/09

CONTACT: Kayla Jenerson, 920-676-7706, stargymnast321@yahoo.com

FRESHMAN VOCALIST TO PERFORM FOR OBAMA

MADISON - President Barack Obama will experience the vocal talents of an incoming University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman during his stop today (June 11) in Green Bay.

Kayla Jenerson of Green Bay was selected to sing the national anthem during Obama's stop at Southwest High School. On June 2, Jenerson received a phone call from the principal of her alma mater, Preble High School in Green Bay, offering her the opportunity.

"It was almost surreal," she says of the surprise call. "It hasn't even set in yet."

Coincidently, the once-in-a-lifetime experience will actually be her second encounter with Obama. Jenerson worked at Green Bay's Kroll's East Restaurant in February 2008 when Obama stopped by for some onion rings and a perch plate.

Even with the excitement of singing for the president, Jenerson says she's looking forward to coming to campus in August and starting her university career.

"[UW-Madison] has always been my No. 1 choice," she says. "I love everything about the campus."

Jenerson will have an opportunity to continue sharing her talents as one of the newest members of the prestigious Wisconsin Singers.

"We're excited that Kayla has been chosen for the honor of singing the national anthem, but not surprised," says Wisconsin Singers director and producer Robin Whitty-Novotny.

"Although she's just an incoming freshman, she immediately impressed us with her big voice and charisma as a performer," she adds. "We were drawn to her obvious passion for becoming involved in something meaningful at the UW-Madison, and are confident that she will be an outstanding representative of our campus as a part of our 2009-10 Wisconsin Singers troupe."

Jenerson intends to study psychology and is considering incorporating her musical passion and talent into a full time career in musical therapy, although she plans to take time to explore all UW-Madison has to offer before making up her mind.

For more on Jenerson, visit http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local_wluk_greenbay_recent_graduate_to_sing_for_obama_060920092115_rev1
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- Kiera Wiatrak, 608-890-2166, wiatrak@wisc.edu