Mac Meier

Mac Meier, a Stillwater High School senior, recently received a music scholarship to Northern Oklahoma College. Jessica Blackburn/Stillwater NewsPress

SHS student sings, dances his way to music scholarship

Kristin Janloo Henderson
Stillwater NewsPress

Stillwater High School senior Mac Meier will be singing and dancing his way through college as he recently received a full scholarship to attend Northern Oklahoma College and an invitation to be a part of its musical show troupe, the Roustabouts Jamboree.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the soon-to-be college freshman also performed his way into the lead singer and dancer position during auditions, beating out the 13 other members of the group for the top spot.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Meier, who has been singing since he was 9 years old as a member of the Stillwater Boys Choir. “They said they don’t usually give out this scholarship, so I know they really want me there.”

Meier said he plans to major in music theater at the two-year college in Tonkawa, then return to Stillwater to get a broadcasting degree from Oklahoma State University.

SHS Choir Director Steve Maison said the Roustabouts have become a tradition of glitz and entertainment at NOC and was created by Bill Heilmann, Maison’s former high school choir director in Cushing.

Maison also said he is not surprised that Meier was picked because of his experience and talent on stage singing and performing.

“I think it’s exciting for him,” Maison said. “I think for him it’s a means to an end and an opportunity to get his course work done and do something he loves.”

Before being chosen, Meier said he had to go through a full day of auditions that included more than 30 other hopeful students.

First, they had to sing a piece of music of their choice, and then they had to perform a dance number in front of the judges. After one-on-ones with the judges, students then spent nearly six hours in a dance choreography class before learning if they had made the group.

Meier is one of the 14 people in the group that performs internationally and on cruise ships.

Meier said it’s an honor to be picked to be lead singer and dancer but he wants to stay humble about it. Meier also said he is excited to get the opportunity to do what he loves.

“I have talent and self-confidence in myself,” he said. “I like to perform and entertain audiences and see their faces after a good show.”