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Litwiller honored as he leaves the stage
After 24 years as the voice of Music in Motion, Cal Litwiller receives an Award of Service as the show choir community celebrates his lasting impact
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant High School filled with musical performers and those eager to support them Saturday, Feb. 8. After a variety of talent graced the stage and before more students stepped out to give their all, the performances took a brief pause to honor a familiar voice during the 31st annual Music in Motion Show Choir Invitational.
Cal Litwiller, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event for 24 years, received an Award of Service in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the invitational and the greater Mt. Pleasant community. Litwiller retired from his emcee duties, handing the microphone to Aaron Williamson.
“[Litwiller] has retired from serving in that capacity and the music department and music boosters wanted to recognize him for his past service,” said Dave Schneider, an active supporter of the Mt. Pleasant Community School District music program. "Aaron Williamson is now serving as Master of Ceremonies for the annual contest which usually lasts over 14 hours."
From the all-too-familiar stage, Litwiller expressed his gratitude for this recognition.
"The first Saturday in February was always red-letter marked in my calendar because this truly is the highlight of the year," Litwiller said. "I want to thank all the music directors here at Mt. Pleasant High School for giving me the opportunity to serve in this position. It was great to meet all the judges and the directors, but most of all, all the young people that make this happen. It has been a pleasure to serve as the emcee for this group."
He also voiced his appreciation for Williamson stepping into this role and continuing “this great tradition.”
Williamson, who presented the award, praised Litwiller's commitment and described his impact as far-reaching.
"It is my honor to present you with this, I'm going to call it a lifetime achievement award, for all that you do for the community," Williamson said. "This man still announces every single sporting event here in Mt. Pleasant. I think he is looking for someone to hand it off to, but he still does that, and we greatly appreciate it."
In addition to receiving a plaque to commemorate his service, Litwiller was also gifted words of gratitude from music educators, administrators, and community members.
"Cal, thank you for all your time and efforts emceeing for Music in Motion," Xavier High School Choir Director Philip Schroetter, a former MPCHS director, said. "Your kind and classy demeanor brought joy to the stage. You always made it about the students, which is why we, teachers, do what we do."
Litwiller retired in 2015 after 38 years as a science teacher at MPCHS. He also taught for three years at the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands and has served as the "Voice of the Panthers" for athletic events since 1978. In addition to sports and the show choir invitational, many may recognize Litwiller’s voice from the MPCHS Junior Senior Promenades.
Living a life that focuses on others, Litwiller’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2003, the Iowa High School Athletic Association honored him with its Award for Excellence in Public Address Announcing. In 2006 he also received the 2006-07 Walmart Teacher of the Year Award.
Mt. Pleasant Middle School Band Director Adam Creager called Litwiller a cornerstone of Music in Motion for more than three decades.
"He has a keen eye for talent and has always been the first to praise students for their performances on stage, field, court, and classroom," Creager said. ". I will certainly miss his ‘golden tones’ announcing at events, singing with him in groups, and learning songs in chemistry and physics class to memorize equations during his time as a teacher. Thanks a million for your full-throated support of music, fine arts, and athletics in our community and school district."
MPCHS Principal Mike Wilson credited Litwiller for playing a key role in the invitational's success over the years.
"Congratulations, Cal, on this honor," Wilson said. "You have shown dedication and service to our community, schools, and students over many years. You have been the constant 'Voice of the Panthers' and we can't thank you enough!"
As the curtain closed on another year of Music in Motion, Litwiller's legacy echoed through the auditorium. For the longtime announcer, it was never about the recognition but the music and the students who made it happen.
“I grew up hearing you announce all of my favorite things, and I knew if you were there, it was going to be a wonderful event,” MPCHS Choir Director Makenzie Kauffman-Ho said. “As a student, hearing you announce us at Music in Motion, Dessert Theatre, sporting events, everything made it all feel ‘real.’ And it is a true honor to have now had the opportunity to work alongside you. Thank you for everything you do for our students, community, our music department, and for inspiring countless students to put on their best — no matter the occasion. This award is just a small way we can show our infinite gratitude for your incredible contributions over the years. Congratulations!”
While Music in Motion moves into a new era with Williamson as the new emcee, the invitational remains as popular as ever. This year MPCSD’s music program welcomed 18 competing schools to the campus for a full day featuring high-energy performances and a wide range of musical styles. The school's high school show choir, InMotion, and middle school group, Chain Reaction, also performed exhibition sets during the invitational.
This year, Davenport Central High School's Central Singers, Inc. claimed the Grand Champion title, along with awards for Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Band. Benton Community High School's Celebration Company finished as First Runner-Up. Fort Madison High School's Swingspan earned Second Runner-Up honors and received the People's Choice Award.
Xavier High School's Xhilaration placed Third Runner-Up, West Branch High School's Christopher Jive and the Uptown 45 finished Fourth Runner-Up and won Best Crew, while Central Lee High School's CENTRifugaAL Force rounded out the top six as Fifth Runner-Up.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
