Local senior putting on singing showcase to raise funds for local firefighters

Hagann Gittins is a senior at Hillcrest High School whose senior project is dedicated to supporting local firefighters by showcasing local talent. | Courtesy Tessa Weight Photography

AMMON — A Hillcrest High School senior is asking for the community’s help with her senior project that’s dedicated to helping local firefighters.

Hagann Gittins, of Rigby, has a passion for singing and admiration for the local firefighters who serve the community. For her senior project, she is combining her love for the two and hosting a singing showcase.

She’s invited 18 local artists — mainly from Idaho Falls but some from Shelley — to share their unique voices and styles onstage. She said a variety of different genres will be performed including country and pop.

The proceeds that are made from ticket sales and donations will go to the Central Fire District, which covers Jefferson County.

“A senior project is a final project that seniors have to do where they either do something in a job career they’d like to do or something that goes over one of their passions,” Gittins explained. “I love to sing so I chose to do something involving singing. My mom’s a firefighter, so I wanted all of (the funds) to go to the firefighters since we’re not allowed to make profit off of our senior project.”

The funds will go to Central Fire District to support their efforts in maintaining essential resources, equipment and training.

Gittins hopes community members will show their support for her senior project and the local firefighters by attending the showcase.

“They do a lot for us risking their own lives for us every single day,” she said. “That money you (donate) for attending will go towards (helping) the firefighters.”

Hagann Gittins with her mom, a firefighter with Central Fire, and family members. | Courtesy Aubrey Faber

Gittins said it’s been different for her taking on the role of organizing this event. She is part of a singing group called SOS and every year they do a benefit concert but it’s her coaches that are in charge of putting it together.

With her senior project, she’s planned the entire event — from booking the auditorium for the showcase, to finding singers and promoting the event.

“This has definitely made me earn a lot more respect for them (SOS coaches) with all that stuff,” Gittins mentioned.

The showcase will take place Dec. 14, 2024, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the event starting at 7 p.m. It will be held at Hillcrest High School’s Performing Arts Center, located at 2801 E. Sunnyside Road in Ammon.

Tickets are $7 at the door. Cash or Venmo is accepted. If you can’t attend but would like to make a donation, you can Venmo Gittins by clicking here.

Gittins is also looking for sponsors for the event. If any businesses are interested in teaming up with her, contact Gittins at hagann.rg@gmail.com.