Published in the December 15, 2015 edition
Tomorrow all fifth and sixth graders at the Galvin Middle School will learn that while life can be tough sometimes, it is always interesting and well worth the time we spend on the journey to self-discovery, self-awareness and healthy self-esteem.
The Galvin PTO and the people who run the town’s substance abuse prevention program called Wake-Up will present a concert from one-time American Idol contestant Casey McQuillen at 1 p.m. in the Galvin auditorium.
On a poster publicizing the local leg of her You Matter Tour, Casey writes, “This concert is about me reminding students that they matter. In a world full of airbrushed photos and social media obsession, today’s teenagers compare themselves not only to each other but also to the most privileged celebrities in the entertainment industry.
“Students need a role model that is honest, empathetic and relatable. I am that artist.
“Since I was 13, I’ve had braces, glasses and bad haircuts; I’ve fallen in and out of love with boys and in and out of love with myself.
“Along the way, my songs captured my journey of growing up and growing to accept myself for being imperfect. My songs are the story of my life.
“The ‘You Matter’ Tour is an hour-long interactive concert of my songs and stories. Throughout the program, I show the students how I grew from an insecure, 13-yearold girl to a 23-year-old aspiring pop star who isn’t afraid to dream. We learn that real life is not airbrushed but that it is the bumps in the road that make us unique. We learn the most important message of them all: ‘You Matter.’
“My appearance on Season 13 of American Idol has opened many doors for this program and I have visited over 50 middle and high schools in the last two years, free of charge. The ‘You Matter’ Tour was also awarded the 2015 Berklee Urban Service Award. I would love to share this message with your students.”
The town’s Health Department has taken Casey up on her offer, for a very good reason.
