CHS grad sings the American dream
MARC STEWART / Contributing Writer | Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 5 months, 2 weeks AGO
Mihret Washington sings recently in Coeur d'Alene.
Photo courtesy Coeur d'Alene School District
Mihret Washington’s powerful voice echoed through the evening sky to begin the graduation ceremonies at Coeur d’Alene High School last month.
Her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" drew thunderous applause as the precocious teenager from Dalton Gardens nailed the performance.
“The national anthem represents the hope of freedom,” said Mihret. “It’s such an honor to perform it in front of so many people. As an immigrant, it means so much to me. It’s a way to respect all the people who have fought for us and who have served our country.”
Mihret and her twin sister, Maara, were born in Ethiopia and adopted by Phebe and Greg Washington shortly after they were born.
At a young age, Mihret discovered she loved music and singing. Her musical idols are Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston.
“I have always loved singing and performing,” said Washington. “Music is something that everyone can relate to universally. It can move us in a variety of ways.”
She starred in Coeur d’Alene High School’s production of “Les Misérables” as Fantine this spring. She will attend the University of Washington this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance and a minor in French.
“Beyond college, I would love to go on national tours and make it on Broadway hopefully,” she said.
As an artist, Mihret gets nervous performing, especially when delivering a solo. "I enjoy singing with other people. We can be nervous together,” she said with a smile.
What is her favorite part of singing the national anthem?
“The last note,” said Mihret. “The song is a symbol for everyone who is fighting for freedom. It means so much to me.”
Mihret notes that the national anthem is challenging to sing because of the way it is composed.
“That’s what makes it so beautiful,” she said. “So many different people are able to sing it in different ways artistically. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t but we’re here to support the effort. I was really drawn to it. I wasn’t bound by how other people have sung it. I try to do the song justice by respecting everyone for our country.”
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Marc Stewart is the marketing and content manager with the Coeur d'Alene School District.