JCPenney's in Cedar Hill invited Pamela Dawson, who was named Grammy Music Educator of the Year for 2023, and a group of choir students to sing for the grand opening of a beauty department located inside the store.
The performing choir consisted of students chosen by Dawson, a DeSoto High School music instructor.
Joseph Iles, a representative of JCPenney, met with the group after the event in the DeSoto High School’s Choir room, “The choir did an outstanding, outstanding job and as it was reviewed by our company everybody thought it was truly an amazing performance."
JCPenney presented Dawson and her performers with gift cards, "We’d like to say thank you to each one of you for participating. We do have some 'thank you’s' for each person that had an opportunity to participate," Iles said.
"We loved coming out and helping the community, it was a joy and it was a blessing to come out and be a part of your celebration," Dawson said. "You’ve blessed us as much as we blessed you - so we thank you for the opportunity."
Abigail Norris, a 10th grade student who performed at the grand opening said, "I am very grateful for this opportunity. We received a gift card, but I just love to sing. I think I’m just going to give it to my mom!”
Morgan Konditi, a 9th grade student who also sang at the event said, "It went well, my solo that I did there - I’m not the proudest, I’m just a big perfectionist. If it doesn’t turn out perfect, I’m just - ugh!" she said laughing.
Konditi has other plans for the gift card, "College. It’s going straight to the bank!” She continued, "I’m very grateful for every opportunity Ms. Dawson's given me. She could have picked anybody. My 9th grade teacher won a Grammy! This is definitely going on my resume."
Recently, JCPenney has been implementing a store refresh. Additional grand openings are planned for its department stores around the area. An event in May is in the works. Iles added, "This will be a newer version of the JCPenney store. We’re doing all that we can to give this community something new to be proud of."
Dawson beamed with pride saying, "We’d love to do that. Just give us a date and the choir will be there!”