Salem’s own Paige Whitehill will be performing a special concert at the high school May 15 as a fundraiser for the high school choir’s upcoming trip to Florida in November. (Submitted photo courtesy Brian Whitehill)

SALEM — A Salem High School alum will be returning to the high school in May to raise funds for the music program which shaped her.

The last time Paige Whitehill performed in the high school auditorium it was when she performed the role of Donna in the school’s 2023 production of Mamma Mia, a production she not only starred in but choregraphed. Before then she performed in 25 shows starting at just 8 years old and continuing through her graduation.

Since graduation Whitehill has continued her musical career, releasing a cover of Brooks and Dunn favorite “Neon Moon” to all streaming platforms in February. She hopes to release her first original song, “The Journey,” which tells her story of growing up in a small town, soon.

On May 15, she will return to the stage which helped shape her for a special concert to raise funds to support the high school choir’s upcoming trip to Florida to perform at Epcot at Walt Disney World in November.

Whitehill, who performs under the stage name Paige Marie, will perform a more than two-hour show beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the auditorium doors will open an hour prior at 6:30 p.m. The concert will also include a short intermission where attendees can purchase refreshments, merchandise, and meet Paige.

Tickets cost $10 for an adult or $8 for seniors or students and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com by searching “Paige Marie Concert” or in person at Salem Computer Center during regular business hours. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the show, and students and school faculty can also purchase tickets in Room 217 at the high school. All seats are general admission, and all proceeds will go to support the choir’s trip to Florida.

Paige’s father, Brian Whitehill, a Salem High School alum and musician who performs at local events and venues himself, said that before his daughter graduated from high school, Choir Director Attila Samu suggested that she should return to the high school and lend her musical talents to the choir boosters’ fundraising efforts. He said he was reminded of Samu’s suggestion when watching the ongoing efforts of the choir boosters to raise funds for the Epcot trip, including those of Paige’s mother, Shannon Whitehill, who has served as Salem Choir Boosters president for the last six years.

“It was actually my idea to do it this spring when I saw how hard my wife was working as choir booster president to fundraise for the choir trip to Florida in November this year. I asked the band members first if they were all willing to donate their services for the show and they all said yes, including our sound man,” said Brian Whitehill.

Paige Whitehill is currently in her junior year at the University of Akron, majoring in political science with a minor in business. Once she completes her bachelor’s degree, she intends to continue her education at Akron and pursue a legal degree.