The following message is from Tom Zbierski, retired Scholarship Chairman of Big Shoulders and a longtime, dear friend to Leo. It beautifully sums up the responses we have been hearing to the world-renowned Leo Choir’s remarkable run to the final round of “America’s Got Talent.”

Reflecting upon recent weeks I’ve come to realize that Mrs. Hill and the Leo Choir gave us more than they would have received as AGT’s first-place winners.

Every week that the Choir was in contention there was a sense of anticipation, pervasive joy and renewed hope … not just among Choir members but among all who know and love Leo Catholic High School.

At a time of great uncertainty and anxiety in our nation, the Voices of the Leo Choir were reassuring in that they reminded all of us that there is still so much good, so much promise, so much to look forward to both for Chicago and America.

America does have Talent, magnificent talent, and it can be found daily in the halls and classrooms of a venerable Catholic high school on 79th and Sangamon. Thank you, men of Leo, all of you, Choir members or not, for being witnesses of a greatness that exceeds financial reward, that life and joy and God’s eternal presence are truly found in Auburn Gresham.

Dr. Shaka Rawls’ response:

Thank you, Tom, for these powerful words. You captured exactly what this journey has meant for all of us. Mrs. Hill and the young men reminded the world and reminded us that Leo’s greatness is not measured in trophies or prize money but in the spirit, discipline and hope they carry with them.

The pride, anticipation, and joy that filled our halls these past weeks will stay with us long after the TV lights fade. Our boys showed Chicago and the nation that there is promise and goodness alive on 79th Street, and for that I am deeply grateful.

On behalf of the Leo family, thank you for lifting us up with your words and for standing with our students in this moment.