94FALL ORGANIZATIONS ON SEPT. 29, 2021, HARDING’S GOOD NEWS Singers honored alumnus Botham Jean with a performance at his memorial dedication. This memorial was an opportunity to continue the tradition of glorifying God through music that was carried on by Jean and other former members. They reflected on the legacy of Jean and the ways his memory encouraged them to perform. Junior Ryan Simpson reflected on how Jean exemplified the spirit of the group. “I vividly remember listening to the Good News Singers while Botham was in the group,” Simpson said. “He had a booming and powerful voice that added strength and beauty to their sound. He had a joy that was infectious to the audience and to the rest of the group.” Jean lived with this spirit in all areas of his life. Many of the students in Good News Singers considered the group a family and felt brought together by members like Jean who made others feel welcomed. Sophomore Allie Nesbitt spoke to the role of Jean as a member of this family. “Botham was an incredible person; he truly lived out the purpose of the Good News Singers,” Nesbitt said. “His spirit of kindness and love was evident in how he treated every single person he met. The legacy he left for us is one of genuine love and faithfulness to the Lord.” Associate professor of music and Director of Belles and Beaux and Good News Singers Chuck Hicks viewed all his students as if they were his children. He was deeply affected by the death of Jean, but made sure to carry on his legacy in the direction of the group. “When Botham lost his life, we lost a member of our family,” Hicks said. “His death, however, served to affirm our message in a more public way. Tragedy is often part of the path to insight. Our prayer is that Botham Jean’s death will continue to bring life to future discussions of unity, perspective and love in action.” The Good News Singers’ past performances at Jean’s funeral and the dedication of Botham Jean Boulevard in Dallas helped prepare the group for the memorial dedication. Honoring Jean at the memorial dedication would become a lifelong memory for everyone involved. “We are thankful to have been part of this dedication to the ideals of Harding University, Good News Singers and the life of Botham, a man who chose to embrace the purposes for which we stand and sing,” Hicks said. WRITTEN BY WATKINS KELLY He Sang Too The Good News Singers celebrate and remember the life of alumnus Botham Jean at the memorial dedication in his honor. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC Senior Ben Brock, junior Jonna Fields and senior Blake Stout sing at the Botham Jean memorial dedication. The group sang Jean’s favorite songs of praise to set the atmosphere. Photo by: Jaxon Nash
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