West Aurora High says thanks to music teacher Meg Papadolias

Meg Papadolias was determined to make Thursday night all
about the kids.

As the longtime director of West Aurora High School’s
prestigious choral program, she’s unleashed the talents of
thousands of students over the years, at the same time awakening in
them a passion for music literacy that has changed lives for the
better.

To say Papadolias, who joined the district 32 years ago, is both
legendary and loved would not be an exaggeration. That’s why, when
her former students heard she was retiring and that Thursday
night’s concert would be her last, they hatched a surprise: Rush
the stage after the final bow and sing one of her favorite songs.
Sheet music to “Dixit Maria” and “Ave Verum” was even distributed
to a couple hundred participants who were pretty darn excited about
performing together one last time for this very special
teacher.

But Papadolias caught wind of the plan — Facebook is great for
networking, not so good at keeping secrets — and she put the kibosh
to it. While she appreciated their intent, the choral director
kindly reminded them that this spring concert was not to be about
her.