I was one of the founding Board Members of BCA almost 25 years ago.  Now my daughter April, teaches third grade there and three of my grandchildren attend BCA.  ND Alumnae, Jane Fraser, teaches K-4 there also.  So it was special to have Shaunna come do a fund-raising concert there.  While she was in the area, Jane and John lined up some gigs for her in the area.  Patt and I got to attend one at a local restaurant where she was accompanied by “Frase-Man” on bass and Danny Burnett on guitar – son of ND Alumni Sam and Alesia.  Several other ND’s were in the audience enjoying the concert and camaraderie.

For those of you who might not have been in the ND’s when she was, let me give you a sketch of her history with us.  She was the youngest member ever to travel with the New Directions in the summer of her 13th birthday.  She met the group while we were singing at her father’s church in Rittman, Ohio.  He father, Rev. David Atkinson, and mother, Sue, became great friends and followers of the New Directions.  Her sister, Cynthia followed her as a summer member of the ND’s.  So we are thankful for the long friendship we have had with the Atkinson family.

Shaunna is married and has two children.  She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is a professional musician and works as a singer and songwriter.  She has recorded several albums.

Finally, Shaunna will be with us at our “40th Anniversary” Aug. 1 – 2 and share some of her music.  I hope you will join her and us for that special time of reunion.  Until then, enjoy the following pictures from one of her local gigs.

In His Faithful Love,

Shaunna Bolton, John Fraser on left, Danny Burnette on right

Patt Williams and Rhonda Truitt having fun at the concert

Shaunna, J.L. and Patt

Talking with Shaunna at the break

Sam Burnette, as happy as ever!

Mary Hatley and Marie Alston enjoying supper and the music

Marie and Patt getting caught up, with Danny and Alesia Burnette in the background