About the Board of Directors
President:
Sacha Thomas
Sacha has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2021. She currently works full time as a floral designer and part-time as a sewist. She is a mom to three kids and music plays a big role in her family. Her oldest is a vocal performance major at Georgia Southern University. Her middle child is a flautist at Harrison School of the Arts and her youngest child is a choir student at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. Sacha enjoys playing instruments and singing whenever she is able to. She is also a volunteer with Polk County Public Schools, serves on the PTA for both Harrison and LAP and is a co-leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of music and looks forward to serving on the Board of Directors!
Sacha Thomas
Sacha has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2021. She currently works full time as a floral designer and part-time as a sewist. She is a mom to three kids and music plays a big role in her family. Her oldest is a vocal performance major at Georgia Southern University. Her middle child is a flautist at Harrison School of the Arts and her youngest child is a choir student at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. Sacha enjoys playing instruments and singing whenever she is able to. She is also a volunteer with Polk County Public Schools, serves on the PTA for both Harrison and LAP and is a co-leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of music and looks forward to serving on the Board of Directors!
Vice President:
Joy Wright
Joy has worked at Summit for 35 years, currently in business systems projects. She been volunteering with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for 28 years. Married 41 years, with 3 adorable and grown up children. She loves to read and am part of a couple of book clubs. This is her second year with the Lakeland choral society. She loves the music, the challenge, and the feeling of belonging with this fabulous choir.
Joy Wright
Joy has worked at Summit for 35 years, currently in business systems projects. She been volunteering with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for 28 years. Married 41 years, with 3 adorable and grown up children. She loves to read and am part of a couple of book clubs. This is her second year with the Lakeland choral society. She loves the music, the challenge, and the feeling of belonging with this fabulous choir.
Secretary:
Cynthia Hall
Cynthia, a music lover, has participated in choirs since she was in Elementary school. She was a choir student of John Anderson in High School and her passion for choir in high school was literally the reason why she remained in school. As an adult, she promised herself that one day when her children were grown, she would get back to her passion for choir and music.
She joined the Lakeland Choral Society in 2023 and is so excited to have the opportunity to serve as a board member.
Cynthia Hall
Cynthia, a music lover, has participated in choirs since she was in Elementary school. She was a choir student of John Anderson in High School and her passion for choir in high school was literally the reason why she remained in school. As an adult, she promised herself that one day when her children were grown, she would get back to her passion for choir and music.
She joined the Lakeland Choral Society in 2023 and is so excited to have the opportunity to serve as a board member.
Treasurer:
Jordan Mistretta
Jordan graduated in 2023 from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Professional Education. She is currenly employed as a Forensics Report Writer at Grindley Williams Engineering. In her spare time, Jordan volunteers for Cornerstone Hospice & the Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association.
Prior to attending UNF, she was a member of the choir program at Harrison School for the Arts, participated in the Florida Southern Women's Choir, Theatre Winter Haven and took years of private vocal and piano lessons. Jordan has also participated in the National American miss Pageant and won the title of Miss Jacksonville and Miss Florida Talent!
Jordan Mistretta
Jordan graduated in 2023 from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Professional Education. She is currenly employed as a Forensics Report Writer at Grindley Williams Engineering. In her spare time, Jordan volunteers for Cornerstone Hospice & the Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association.
Prior to attending UNF, she was a member of the choir program at Harrison School for the Arts, participated in the Florida Southern Women's Choir, Theatre Winter Haven and took years of private vocal and piano lessons. Jordan has also participated in the National American miss Pageant and won the title of Miss Jacksonville and Miss Florida Talent!
Lydia Babington
Lydia is a Soprano in the Lakeland Choral Society. She is employed by Polk County Public Schools as a media specialist at a local middle school. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education (B.M.E.) from Jacksonville University. Her strengths include being a natural leader and organization. She is also very creative and crafty! Lydia is described as being a structure, approachable and collaborative people. She is truly a team player!
Lydia is a Soprano in the Lakeland Choral Society. She is employed by Polk County Public Schools as a media specialist at a local middle school. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education (B.M.E.) from Jacksonville University. Her strengths include being a natural leader and organization. She is also very creative and crafty! Lydia is described as being a structure, approachable and collaborative people. She is truly a team player!
Joseph Gill
A long-time Lakelander, Joseph graduated from Lakeland High School and attended The Florida State University. Joseph is a classically-trained vocalist, in the Choral Society, he sings Tenor and helps lead the men's sections. He is employed as a delivery driver and very tech-saavy! His tech skills include photoshop and video editing. Joseph is very personable and those who know him know that he is compassionate, kind and punctual!
A long-time Lakelander, Joseph graduated from Lakeland High School and attended The Florida State University. Joseph is a classically-trained vocalist, in the Choral Society, he sings Tenor and helps lead the men's sections. He is employed as a delivery driver and very tech-saavy! His tech skills include photoshop and video editing. Joseph is very personable and those who know him know that he is compassionate, kind and punctual!
Diana Kempter
Diana has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2023, where she sings Alto 1. Born and raised in Lakeland, she graduated from Polk State College with an Associate of Arts in Mass Communications in 2009. She currently works in the Clinical Informatics field for a local clinic.
Diana has been a musician all of her life: she started as a clarinet player in middle school and played as an accomplished musician throughout high school and college, being a member of both All-County and All-State bands and orchestras. She started singing in college, joining the choir at Polk State and continued singing after finishing school. She also sings with the Theatre Winter Haven Community Choir and the Bach Festival of Central Florida.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking food from all over the world, reading, playing video games, and doing Zumba classes at her local gym.
Diana has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2023, where she sings Alto 1. Born and raised in Lakeland, she graduated from Polk State College with an Associate of Arts in Mass Communications in 2009. She currently works in the Clinical Informatics field for a local clinic.
Diana has been a musician all of her life: she started as a clarinet player in middle school and played as an accomplished musician throughout high school and college, being a member of both All-County and All-State bands and orchestras. She started singing in college, joining the choir at Polk State and continued singing after finishing school. She also sings with the Theatre Winter Haven Community Choir and the Bach Festival of Central Florida.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking food from all over the world, reading, playing video games, and doing Zumba classes at her local gym.
Erin Mistretta
Erin is one of the kindest, nurturing and open-minded people you may ever meet! She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western State College of Colorado and is a retired social worker. Erin enjoys being a "stay-at-home Weiner Dog Mom" when she is not singing Alto 2 in the Lakeland Choral Society! Erin's strengths include being organized, optimistic, a great listener and has a great sense of humor!
Erin is one of the kindest, nurturing and open-minded people you may ever meet! She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western State College of Colorado and is a retired social worker. Erin enjoys being a "stay-at-home Weiner Dog Mom" when she is not singing Alto 2 in the Lakeland Choral Society! Erin's strengths include being organized, optimistic, a great listener and has a great sense of humor!
Regina Arndt Register
Regina Arndt Register has been a music educator in Polk County schools for over 36 years, and has loved being a ‘Lakelander’ since she was 10 years old. Her primary education focus was instructing students in choral and piano performance. She fostered award-winning performing groups in elementary, middle and high school. She was the music director for Youth at Theatre Winter Haven for several seasons. In addition, she set her own feet on the Theatre Winter Haven stage in several musical theatre productions over the years.
Regina received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Florida Southern College, and had the opportunity to study with the celebrated pianist, Dr. Robert McDonald. Regina also holds a Masters of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling from Webster University.
Her passion for Choral music performance and travel has led to multiple opportunities for her choirs to perform in many prestigious music events and festivals around the country. Some of the highlights include: The 2000 America Sings! Music Festival; 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival; 2012 National Cathedral Chamber Choral Series in Washington, D.C., multiple invitations to perform as an Honor Choir in Disney’s Candlelight Processional Program, Orlando, FL., Celebrate Music! Festival in Williamsburg Square, VA., and most recently, Carnegie Hall Multicultural Youth Festival, in New York City, with Grammy Award winning director, Dr. Jeffery Redding.
As an educator, Regina was named Teacher of the Year twice at two different schools and was also co-recipient of a Regional Economics Award. She is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Vocal Association and the National Association for Music Education. In 2023, Regina was awarded the A+ Teacher Award on Spectrum News (Bay News 9). Currently, Regina enjoys consult choral work with choirs in local counties, and continues a successful piano and voice studio.
Regina Arndt Register has been a music educator in Polk County schools for over 36 years, and has loved being a ‘Lakelander’ since she was 10 years old. Her primary education focus was instructing students in choral and piano performance. She fostered award-winning performing groups in elementary, middle and high school. She was the music director for Youth at Theatre Winter Haven for several seasons. In addition, she set her own feet on the Theatre Winter Haven stage in several musical theatre productions over the years.
Regina received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Florida Southern College, and had the opportunity to study with the celebrated pianist, Dr. Robert McDonald. Regina also holds a Masters of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling from Webster University.
Her passion for Choral music performance and travel has led to multiple opportunities for her choirs to perform in many prestigious music events and festivals around the country. Some of the highlights include: The 2000 America Sings! Music Festival; 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival; 2012 National Cathedral Chamber Choral Series in Washington, D.C., multiple invitations to perform as an Honor Choir in Disney’s Candlelight Processional Program, Orlando, FL., Celebrate Music! Festival in Williamsburg Square, VA., and most recently, Carnegie Hall Multicultural Youth Festival, in New York City, with Grammy Award winning director, Dr. Jeffery Redding.
As an educator, Regina was named Teacher of the Year twice at two different schools and was also co-recipient of a Regional Economics Award. She is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Vocal Association and the National Association for Music Education. In 2023, Regina was awarded the A+ Teacher Award on Spectrum News (Bay News 9). Currently, Regina enjoys consult choral work with choirs in local counties, and continues a successful piano and voice studio.
Emily Rogers
Emily earned her Bachelors of Science (BS) in Legal Studies and serves as a National Account Specialist for a large janitorial company. Her strengths include being a great communicator, the ability to adapt to changes and being well-versed in the administrative world. She is empathic to others, resourceful and dedicated to things and people she believes in. She is a joy to have in the Lakeland Choral Society where she sings Soprano 2!
Emily earned her Bachelors of Science (BS) in Legal Studies and serves as a National Account Specialist for a large janitorial company. Her strengths include being a great communicator, the ability to adapt to changes and being well-versed in the administrative world. She is empathic to others, resourceful and dedicated to things and people she believes in. She is a joy to have in the Lakeland Choral Society where she sings Soprano 2!
Amy Somers - Membership Chair
Amy has been a Lakeland resident since 2021 and has sung in the Choral Society since Spring 2024. She grew up in Wisconsin in a musically inclined family and is the youngest of 5 siblings. Her mom was a member of an all women's singing group that traveled around the state doing concerts and ministry. As the youngest, she was her mom's shadow and attended most of her mom's rehearsals. Amy was in band and choir all through school and into college. She works in the field of account and data management for a medical diagnosis company and loves what she does! In her spare time, she also enjoys gardening, reading, baking and spending quality time with her husband and golden retriever!
Amy has been a Lakeland resident since 2021 and has sung in the Choral Society since Spring 2024. She grew up in Wisconsin in a musically inclined family and is the youngest of 5 siblings. Her mom was a member of an all women's singing group that traveled around the state doing concerts and ministry. As the youngest, she was her mom's shadow and attended most of her mom's rehearsals. Amy was in band and choir all through school and into college. She works in the field of account and data management for a medical diagnosis company and loves what she does! In her spare time, she also enjoys gardening, reading, baking and spending quality time with her husband and golden retriever!
John Wineland - Scholarship Chair
Dr. John Wineland is currently a Professor of History and Archaeology at the University of the Cumberlands. A lover of learning and knowledge, he holds a Ph.D. and Masters (M.A.) in History from Miami University, two additional Master degrees (M.A & M.Div) in Near Eastern Antiquities and Theology from Cincinnati Christian University, in addition to a Bachelor degree in Biology from Valparaiso University.
His archaeology experience includes being an excavator, area supervisor, assistant director and director of various excavations in Jordan, Israel, the United Kingdom, in addition to sites in the United States. He is also a Special Interest and Destination speaker on various cruise lines (RCL, Princess, Celebrity), and most recently Viking Ocean Cruises where he serves as the Viking Resident Historian (VRH).
Musically, John began singing in Elementary school and continued through college, including being a member of the University Choral at Valparaiso, Schola Cantorum and the Cincinnati Christian University Choir.
He is a seasoned singer with the Lakeland Choral Society.
Dr. John Wineland is currently a Professor of History and Archaeology at the University of the Cumberlands. A lover of learning and knowledge, he holds a Ph.D. and Masters (M.A.) in History from Miami University, two additional Master degrees (M.A & M.Div) in Near Eastern Antiquities and Theology from Cincinnati Christian University, in addition to a Bachelor degree in Biology from Valparaiso University.
His archaeology experience includes being an excavator, area supervisor, assistant director and director of various excavations in Jordan, Israel, the United Kingdom, in addition to sites in the United States. He is also a Special Interest and Destination speaker on various cruise lines (RCL, Princess, Celebrity), and most recently Viking Ocean Cruises where he serves as the Viking Resident Historian (VRH).
Musically, John began singing in Elementary school and continued through college, including being a member of the University Choral at Valparaiso, Schola Cantorum and the Cincinnati Christian University Choir.
He is a seasoned singer with the Lakeland Choral Society.
OTHER
Shing Palagano, Immediate Past President
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also an accomplished pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her young daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack!
Shing is part of the music faculty with Florida Virtual School. Prior to joining FLVS, she served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for 18 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and district MTSS facilitator.
Shing’s musical honors include being a 2026 Finalist for "Volunteer of the Year" with the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a high school Choral Director: taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She also serves on the FLDOE Commissioner's Academic Challenge as a music judge and question writer.
She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland where she sings in the Chancel Choir, is part of the Parent Group and serves in the children's ministry.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, cooking, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also an accomplished pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her young daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack!
Shing is part of the music faculty with Florida Virtual School. Prior to joining FLVS, she served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for 18 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and district MTSS facilitator.
Shing’s musical honors include being a 2026 Finalist for "Volunteer of the Year" with the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a high school Choral Director: taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She also serves on the FLDOE Commissioner's Academic Challenge as a music judge and question writer.
She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland where she sings in the Chancel Choir, is part of the Parent Group and serves in the children's ministry.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, cooking, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.