Director: Laurel Kunes

Laurel Kunes is a 1979 graduate of Mentor High School and a Top 25 alumnus. She attended Heidelberg College as a Percussion Major, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Ms. Kunes earned her Masters Degree in Science and Education from Lake Erie College, with an additional certification in Supervision. She has a permanent teaching certification, but continues to take post-graduate studies when she’s not directing or traveling out West with her four-legged children, Maya & Segue! She continues to be an active member in the Ohio Music Educator's Association (O.M.E.A.), Lake County Music Educator's Association, MENC, MTA, & OEA.

Now, in her 25th year of public school teaching, she continues to reinvest her own Mentor music experiences while teaching and directing the Mentor Top 25 Show Choir, Shoreline Singers Show Choir, and Shore Concert Bands.

“It is an honor to be directing this prestigious, community up- lifting, and quality musical group, the Mentor High School Top 25. I am very proud of the group and what we have accomplished over the years. It has been a joy and privilege to share in the journey with so many – some for 6 years! May you all take many good memories with you and be inspired to pursue your dreams! Have a great show!"

Email: Laurel Kunes

 

Assistant Director: Laurie Eppler

Laurie Eppler is the assistant director of Top 25 and proud to be a Top 25 alumnus. She attended Mount Union College and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1984. She taught vocal music for 12 years, serving as choral director for Madison Local Schools and as an elementary music teacher in Mentor. In 1995 she earned her elementary classroom certification and began teaching third and fourth grade at Sterling Morton Elementary School. She has also earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Mrs. Eppler serves as the Director of Children’s Music at Mentor United Methodist Church and is a vocalist/keyboard player in the church praise band. She has been involved in community theater, both as a performer and musical director. She is married to her best friend, Craig Eppler, and they are the proud parents of three children, Chris, Sean, and Caelyn. The Mentor Top 25 has been an important influence on her life, and she is excited to share the experience with her son, Sean. She is humbled and considers it a great honor to serve the Top 25, as she is aware of its legacy and importance to so many in the Mentor community.

“It is an honor to share something so important to me with my own son and with these wonderful men and women. As you move on in your lives, may you always remember and cherish the opportunities and memories that you have created as a part of the Top 25 family. You have many ‘brothers and sisters’ that support you and wish you only the best!”

Email: Laurie Eppler

 

Choreographer: Lauren McNiel

Lauren McNiel (Loee) is a 2007 graduate of Mentor High School and a proud former member of the Shoreline Singers & Top 25. Loee is currently a sophomore at Baldwin Wallace College where she is a film major and a dance minor. In addition to choreographing for Top 25 and Shoreline, she is the Lip Sync & Greek Sing Director/Choreographer for the Delta Zeta sorority of which she is a member. She will also be choreographing for and dancing in the Baldwin Wallace Spring Dance Concert.

Loee still enjoys performing and was named “Lady of the Dance” at the 2007 Baldwin Wallace Dance Marathon, was a performer in the 2007 Baldwin Wallace Dance Concert and is a wild-card contestant in the Baldwin Wallace Idol competition this year. Loee has studied ballet, jazz, tap, modern ballet, and point at various local studios since the age of four and began choreographing show choir performances when she was in junior high for the Shoreline Singers. Loee enjoys putting together innovative and modern choreography for the group and has a great time working with the students and the directors. She would like to thank Ms. Kunes for letting her stay involved with the group, and thank the group for being so wonderful during rehearsals, you guys ROCK!

 

Choreographer: Marylin Young

Marylin Young has been choreographing, teaching dance and coaching cheerleading for over 27 years. Her latest theatrical role was as Mrs. Mayor of Whoville in Seussical the Musical at the Geauga Lyric Theater in Chardon, OH. Her greatest claim to fame was performing for 3 years at the "Terrible Cheerleader" for the Pittsburgh Steelers where she appeared in parades, fundraisers, pep rallies and half-time shows with NFL alumni.

Currently, she is the full-time mother of 5 Mentor students Jack (17), Madison (13), Alex (14), Hannah (12) and Gabrielle (9). She holds two masters degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in Business and Health Administration.

Marylin would like to thank the superb directing team of Laurel and Laurie for giving her this exciting opportunity to work with the most talented kids on earth! Thank you too to Lauren as co-choreographer...you are an amazing young dancer! Marylin would also like to thank her parents, Stephen and Linda Gonta, for supporting her years of dance class...phew! I think it paid off! Who would have thought a 43-year-old mother of 5 can boogie like that!!! I love you Scott!