Findlay Fest returns for 30th year

Findlay First Edition, directed by Kevin Manley, shined through the shadows of an investigation into student misconduct as hosts of the 30th annual Findlay Fest show choir competition Saturday. The event acted as the premier to the 2023/24 competition season with 12 groups from 10 Ohio schools participating. It was also Manley's debut to Findlay First Edition after returning to his directorship from an administrative leave that suspended him from FFE events since November. Solon High School's Music in Motion was named grand champion and also earned best vocals, best choreography, best show concept and Kyle Brooks was named the best treble soloist. Grove City High School's Touch of Class was named second runner up and Piqua High School's The Company was named third runner up. Other schools in attendance included Beavercreek High School, Grosse Pointe South High School, Twinsburg High School and Ada High School. Findlay First Edition and the freshman show choir Voices in Perfection also performed their competition numbers Saturday. Standing ovation Manley was greeted with a standing ovation at Findlay Fest Saturday, his first FFE event since returning from an administrative leave in December and being reinstated as the show choir director last week. Prior to the final awards ceremony, Manley said he was grateful for being able to work with students after their graduation, which included the night's emcees and Findlay City Schools colleagues. He also said the night couldn't be made possible without everyone in the audience and participating schools. Manley was placed on leave pending an investigation into alleged student misconduct, which ended earlier this month. The results of the investigation are available online at thecourier.com and Manley had been reprimanded for deficiencies in his leadership. Manley is in his 32nd year of teaching at Findlay City Schools and 18th year directing Findlay First Edition, which is made up of 42 singers and nine crew members in its 40th season this year. But, the investigation didn't slow down FFE's show-stopping performances. The group continued to practice and train for their competition opener under the guidance of a former choral director. Their shows included Fall Fest, their Christmas show and other events throughout the community. The group travels to Indiana next weekend for their next competition.