Allison Baker - Canandaigua Academy

On the stage at Canandaigua Academy, as the school's Madrigal choir gets ready to perform, Allison Baker's smile speaks volumes about who she is.

So does her voice.

"I'm very happy I've chosen this path," said Allison. "I love the feeling of singing a song and then hearing the audience's approval, all the clapping and cheering. It's an amazing feeling."

Allison was one of a select number of students around the country to take part in the American Choral Director's National Honor Choir. She earned a coveted slot in the all state mixed chorus, and she routinely performs at schools, nursing homes and sporting events and festivals.

"You have to practice. If you want something, you cannot say, 'I can't do this.' Otherwise, you won't," said Allison.

"She can find a positive in every situation," said Amy Story, the vocal director at Canandaigua. "Just excited to sing, such a joy for singing that it spreads to others."

"It's a big deal to me to have everyone feel welcome with music and for everyone to feel comfortable with who they are," said Allison.

Allison's brother is also a performer in musical theater, and she says the moment she saw him on stage, she was inspired.

"He was so wonderful, and so brave and happy and I wanted to be just like him, and I still do."

Allison wants to study music education in college. One day, you just may find her back in the classroom at Canandaigua. It's a joyful path that takes lots of practice, but Allison has always been up to the task.

"I found my passion. I found it," said Allison, "and now i want to keep it and show it to others."