Student's voice brings council meetings to order.

Byline: Lisa D. Welsh

WORCESTER - The voice of Justine Dryden, singing a cappella, filled the enormous Worcester Technical High School auditorium at a recent assembly.

And soon, the 17-year-old's voice will regularly resonate in the City Council chamber with her rendition of the national anthem.

After officials heard her sing at the school assembly, she was chosen to record a version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that will be played at City Council meetings.

"Choosing a student to sing the national anthem is a tradition that goes back many decades," said City Clerk David J. Rushford. "The current young lady's recording has played for three years and it's a tradition for us to be on the lookout for another young person to share their talent. It's a way for the City Council to show pride in our students."

Mr. Rushford said Miss Dryden's performance stood out.

"Now that is a special talent and should be shared with others," he said.

Miss Dryden hasn't had any formal vocal training but has been singing, mostly country music, her entire life.

"I've always sung. That's all we do at my house," she said. "It's just started to get out into the school now."

Miss Dryden entered a singing contest on a local radio station and was a finalist in its competition at Six Flags New England, but the first time her teachers and classmates heard her was last spring, when she sang a duet in the school's talent show.

That performance left a lasting impression, and she was asked to sing at the assembly with Sen. Harriette L. Chandler, D-Worcester, state Rep. John P. Fresolo, D-Worcester, and Mr. Rushford in attendance.

"Her singing is just beautiful," her principal, Sheila Harritty, said. "We...

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