School News Alumni
Honouring the Past, Welcoming the Future at SOFAThis March, the School of Fine Arts (SOFA) marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the retirement of their Administrator, Rita Zurzolo and welcomes LCS alumna Nikita Labdon ’14 as her successor. Rita’s journey began 34 years ago, when SOFA was first established as a ministry of Grant Church under the leadership of Randy Weber. Since those early days, her leadership of the added value music and arts program at LCS has been a blessing. Under her direction, SOFA has grown from a group of 35 students to a thriving community of over 200 musicians and artists enjoying private instruction each year.
Rita’s impact is measured not just in numbers, but in the lives she has touched. Her dedication has provided a foundation for countless young musicians to pursue their God-given talents professionally. Today, SOFA alumni can be found serving as:
• Music Educators and Church Music Directors
• Broadway Performers and Opera Singers
• Professional Classical and Jazz Musicians
Rita’s goal was to foster a lifelong love of music in every SOFA student. She understood that music is a gift from God, and she spent over three decades ensuring that gift was shared generously.
Rita, thank you for 34 years of faith, hard work, and for giving the gift of music to us all. “Well done, good and faithful servant” — Matthew 25:23
We welcome Nikita Labdon ‘14 as our new SOFA Administrator. Former SOFA student, LCS alumna, and SOFA music instructor, Nikita is equipped to take on this role with excellence. Labdon completed her Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance degree at the University of Manitoba, and has been cast in leading opera roles and countless theatre scenes. She has spent the last ten years teaching music and organizing lessons.
Welcome Nikita – we know the School of Fine Arts is in great hands! You can reach our new SOFA Administrator at [email protected] or visit our website here to learn more about music and art opportunities at LCS.
