Mary Ellen Coates

Mary Ellen Coates, a Niwot High School Senior, is inspired by music. Asked about how she got her start in choir, Coates said she began in elementary school. While she was a member of the NHS Marching Band and played flute in the Symphonic Band, she was talked into singing in the choir by her former teacher.

Coates said, "I hadn't really considered choir because the school rules stipulated that stu...