Harmony Scholars ready to shine: A portion of this year’s proceeds to benefit former student

The Panther Valley Harmony Scholars have raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society telethon over the years.

This year, when they heard one of their own was battling the disease, they decided to support her fight as well.

Samantha Zlock, a 2013 Panther Valley alumna, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in December.

She is currently undergoing treatment at Temple University Hospital, which also happens to be where she is enrolled as a third-year student in the pharmacy program.

Participating in Harmony Scholars is a cherished memory for Zlock. Watching it as a spectator will be a new experience, but one she is excited to have.

“It’s definitely something I always look forward to seeing. I think it’s going to be a little more emotional than normal. It’s strange being on the opposite side,” she said.

The annual performance takes place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Panther Valley High School auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

At Panther Valley, Zlock was an athlete, honor student and a Harmony Scholar. She not only participated, she also stayed on to help with the production after she graduated. One of her favorite memories was how it brought together the entire school.

“It was a nice atmosphere for a lot of people, who probably wouldn’t be friends, coming together to do something good,” she said.

Zlock was preparing for finals last fall when she decided to go see a doctor because she hadn’t been feeling well. After a long list of tests, they decided to a do an MRI, which revealed swollen lymph nodes. She was diagnosed and started on chemotherapy.

Even though she’s receiving treatment, Zlock is determined to continue her education.

“So far everything has been going smoothly. I just gotta keep powering through,” she said.

The program’s director, Kylie Boswell, said when they heard about Zlock’s diagnosis, they wanted to dedicate the show to her. A portion of the proceeds from the show will go to benefit Sam’s fight.

“She was very helpful for many years for (former directors) Mrs. Crampsie and Mrs. Vito. She was a member of Harmony. We decided to dedicate this show to her this year,” Boswell said.

Boswell is an alumna herself, having graduated in 2017. This year her sister, Kayla, a 2018 graduate, joined her as director. Kylie said they are trying to outdo themselves from last year.

“There’s a lot of new stuff. We’re trying new things out, testing new techniques, lighting and effects,” she said.

Boswell said there has been a lot of excitement around this year’s show. A group of guys originally wanted to just be on the stage crew, but later decided they wanted to join the cast.

“Once they see their friends doing it, they want to join in,” she said.

This year’s production will feature more skits than ever before, as well as the singing and lip syncing that the program is known for.

Senior Mark Kokinda said it’s harder to prepare for the skits than for the songs.

“It’s knowing a lot more words and having to be on cue with everything,” Kokinda said.

They recently took their performance to Panther Valley Elementary School and the response was strong.

Senior Emilee Kwaak said it was cool seeing the kids react to the show, because she could remember being an elementary student and looking up to the Harmony Scholars.

“They were all singing along with the songs. We try to keep the songs where the younger kids will know them too,” she said.

Kokinda said it’s sad that their time in Harmony Scholars is coming to an end, but it won’t fully set in until the last show is complete.

“It’s going to be a little sad that’s over, but it’s going to be fun if we just enjoy it.

Zlock will be there to enjoy it as well. If she has any advice for the Harmony Scholars, it would be to enjoy the moment, because it will be gone before you know it.

“You’re going to look back on this time of goofing around with your fellow classmates, and you’re going to wish you could have enjoyed it longer. Once high school is over, things start to fly by,” she said.