From Dawn Kujawa Lexington 2 Communications– The long wait is finally over for members of the Brookland-Cayce High School Honors Choir and director Wendi Humphries.

Wednesday, February 8, the group is leaving for Hawaii for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform aboard the Battleship USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor.

The trip has been postponed for three years amid COVID, Humphries said. But there was excitement early this week as the group met for final preparations, including a Pearl Harbor history primer with Brookland-Cayce teacher Terry Boone, as well as some group rehearsals.

“We are finally obtaining our goal,” Humphries said.

Twenty-three students are making the trip, with the performance at the Pearl Harbor memorial set for Saturday, along with a tour and flag-folding ceremony. The group also will have the opportunity to participate and sing in a Master Class at the University of Hawaii with Dr. Joshua Habermann, director of choral activities. In between, they will enjoy uniquely Hawaiian experiences, including a climb to the famous summit at Diamond Head for spectacular 360-degree views.

Still, for Humphries and her students, it is most exciting that the long wait to perform on the Battleship USS Missouri is nearly over.

“It’s the opportunity of bringing the history of our country to life, and never letting our youth forget the sacrifices made for the freedoms we have now,” Humphries said. “It is an honor to be able to pay our respects to these fallen heroes.”