A journey’s end: Elaina Wilson ’24’s remarkable MC career mimics that of all December graduates
Dec. 17, 2024
For Elaina Marybeth Wilson ’24, and many other December graduates who have completed their programs of study and are now alumni of Maryville College, leaving this place is no easy task.
Certainly, the excitement of what the world beyond College Hill has to offer is a siren song of possibility, but for the past four years, few places have felt more like home to Wilson than her actual home.
“I grew up running around Anderson Hall while my mom (Becky Farr Wilson ’86) worked as director of Telephone Services,” Wilson said. “And before her, my grandpa (Ernest Farr) worked in maintenance and on the grounds. In many ways, I have always been very connected to Maryville College.
“I truly believe I was always meant to go to school here and meet the people I have. I have gained a forever family in my friendships, and lifelong connections in the mentors who have invested (and continue to) invest in me.”
And yet like her peers, the opportunity to put her degree — a bachelor’s in vocal music education with teaching licensure — has her excited to give practical application to her MC experiences. Already, she’s spent the fall semester student teaching choir at William Blount High School in Blount County, and the decision to take part in last May’s Commencement exercises — a choice available to all December grads — made it feel as if she already had one foot out of the door, so to speak.
“Being able to walk with my best friends in May was so special, because in many ways, my time at the College was over,” she said. “Getting to share that day with people I’ve spent four years with and my wonderful professors was so rewarding.”
So, too, has her student teaching experience been, she added. Paired with the school’s choral teacher, Chris Clift, Wilson felt welcomed into her student-teaching position and encouraged to step into the necessary roles of leadership and mentorship required of educators.
“Mr. Clift was understanding and kind to both me and his students, but knows when to push to get the best response,” Wilson said. “I made such special connections with the students at WBHS, especially the Women’s Choir that I was able to teach by myself all semester! I also got to conduct in two live performances, one with an orchestra, which was so thrilling. During my time student teaching, I was reminded I am in the exact right field for me.”
Not that she ever had doubts. After all, her involvement in music-related extracurriculars, particularly the Maryville College Concert Choir and lead roles in such musicals as “Urinetown” and “Oliver!,” gave her opportunities to fall deeper in love with music. At the same time, her involvement in such organizations as the Bonner Scholars program allowed her to build on the foundation of the College’s liberal arts education, which affected both her career path and her personal development, she added.
“Maryville College has been the perfect place for me to learn and thrive,” she said. “The education world, and especially the music world, are places where connections are valued. I have made such valuable relationships with professors, alumni and students that pour into me and my goals. Additionally, the liberal arts have continued to open my mind and help me become a more sensitive and open-minded teacher and human.”
“Over her three years as soprano section leader, Elaina also volunteered with our youth choirs, even stepping in to direct when needed,” added Stacey Wilner, MC Concert Choir conductor and director of choral activities at Maryville College. “As choir manager and a Choir Leadership Team member, she was instrumental in organizing concerts, festivals, retreats, fundraising and tours. Elaina’s protective nature, reliability and organizational skills made her an asset in communications and event logistics. Beyond her role in choir management, she served as a work-study student for the Division of Fine Arts, supporting concerts, recitals and other events.”
In other words, she had a full plate — but it was all by design, Wilson said. After all, as a first-year student, she looked for opportunities to do more than just sing. A smaller, private liberal arts college gave her the opportunity to do just that, and in so doing, her professional skills have evolved alongside her musical talent.
“Being involved in programs like the Concert Choir and Bonner were invaluable to my growth as a person and as a student,” she said. “I usually tell people, ‘You get out what you put in,’ and it could not be more true. The Maryville College Concert Choir gave me opportunities to learn key elements of my future field as a choral director while building bonds that will last for the rest of my life. The Bonner Program requires hard work and accountability as well as a heart for service. It was through this program that my mentors taught me to seek out opportunities to serve that lit a spark in me. This led me to many wonderful experiences that I will cherish forever.”
One of the hallmarks of a Maryville College education: Never stop learning, and Wilson is prepared to do exactly that. She’s currently continuing to substitute teach and pick up other educational work when she can while she applies to master’s programs to continue her studies of choral conducting. Her long-term goal is to teach choir, she added — possibly at the college level. After all, she’ll always remember the role faculty members played in her own development, and what Scot, she pointed out, wouldn’t want to do the same?
“The faculty and staff at Maryville College have been life-changers for me,” she said. “I want to thank all of my Division of Fine Arts professors; Deborah Boling (Fine Arts administrative assistant); current and past Bonner staff; the Metz staff; and all of the other hard workers here at MC that cultivate such an encouraging and welcoming place to live and study.”
“Elaina has been an inspiring force at Maryville College — a remarkably talented, versatile musician whose contributions have enriched our choral program,” Wilner added. “Throughout her time here, she’s consistently demonstrated her deep commitment to music, her peers, and to the Division of Fine Arts.”
Other December graduates whose degrees will be officially conferred this month include:
Bachelor of Arts degrees
The following Maryville College December graduates were awarded a bachelor of arts degree: Niyereth Nathaly Barrera; Tyler James Bost; Kristina Ellen Buckley; Christopher Chase Carter; Bryce A. Collins; Jose Osvaldo Contreras; Robert Tanner Dyer; Jasmine Rain Edrosolano; Vania Monserrat Espinoza Guandulay; Kirsten Taylor Fanning; Issair Franquez; Anthony Conrad Green; Seth Julian Green; Raegan Kate Hooks; Caroline Margaret Johnson; Melanie Ann Kowalewski; Jordan Byron Lacey; Marique Tywaun Lucas; Craig A. McIlwraith; Emma Kay Mikles; Josue Alexander Monroy; Brooklyn James Muccillo; Andrewa Estefanny Perez; Samir Francisco Rojas; Grace Elizabeth Rubel; Garrett Thomas Settles; Walker Logan Settles; Marianna Rosalie Simmins; William Brock Skelton; Kelci Sharese Sparks; Benny Stone Stinnett; Jessica Lashay Stockton; Megan Hope Strunk; Daniel James Vankirk; Ami Elizabeth Weaver; Madison Mechelle Williams; and Alexis Caroline Young.
Bachelor of Science degrees
Three Maryville College December graduates completed requirements for a bachelor of science degree, including: Hailey Michelle Cronk; Delaney Elizabeth Muldoon; and Makayla Alise Reed.
