THANK YOU … Pettisville Vocal Music Teacher Duane Beck receives The Voice trophy from GNT as a sign of gratitude from the trio. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT, STAFF)
By: Amy Wendt
On Friday, January 6, Pettisville’s own Girl Named Tom (GNT) came back home to the Pettisville School Theater and gave nearly 600 area fans “A Backstage Pass” slideshow presentation highlighting the Liechty siblings’ life on the road and backstage.
The final slide shared with the audience was a photo of GNT with their coach, Kelly Clarkson, after winning season 21 of the popular TV show, “The Voice”.
The trio made the show’s history by being the first group to take top honors.
Reflecting on the January 6th hometown event, Bekah says, “In the photo, we’re holding it (the trophy) with Kelly Clarkson, on national television.”
“On the night of “A Backstage Pass,” I was holding it right there, with the crowd, on the Pettisville School stage.”
“The trophy doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to the people of Pettisville.”
“So, we wanted to put “The Voice” trophy somewhere in the school as a thank you.’
“As a way to say we’re proud to call you home, and as a reminder to future generations, we hope you follow your dreams and follow your heart. Pettisville’s got your back.”
“Obviously, “The Voice” is all about music, so we presented the trophy to Duane.”
“To say thank you, Duane, for nurturing us on the Pettisville School stage, and helping us develop our gifts of music.”
“He is doing the same for (grades) K-12 every single day, and we just want him to know we’re behind him. We’re so thankful for him.”
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without him, and so many kids are so thankful for him.”
Upon accepting the honor on behalf of Pettisville Schools, Duane Beck, the devoted music teacher at the school, shared his thoughts.
“It’s kind of…I knew this was going to happen, but I’m still kind of speechless.”
Beck reflected on receiving a call from Caleb in the fall of 2022 when the siblings first proposed handing their coveted award over to the school for display.
“I was like, well, I haven’t checked with anybody, but probably that’s a yes.’”
“To me, it’s yet another gift that these three people are giving this community. They’ve given us so much.”
“Especially, like (Superintendent) Josh Clark said, a reason to be united, to come together and celebrate when people were arguing and feeling alone and isolated and upset about things. So that was a huge gift.”
“To spread the name Pettisville a little bit farther across the country, that’s a huge gift,” Beck continued.
“This is such a reminder of…such a wonderful reminder to people that walk by…you know, there are trophies out there in the athletic trophy case, and that’s great, but for little kids coming on their way to music class to be able to see this and remember that It represents…something great and possibilities. So, thank you so much.”
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
