Bolles sophomore Sophia Zhang ’28, a longtime member of the Jacksonville Children’s Choir, performed at the Vatican during Winter Break.

On December 31, Zhang and the choir sang in St. Peter’s Square during First Vespers as Pope Leo XIV blessed the Crèche. The Holy Father listened to the performance and later expressed his gratitude. The group represented Jacksonville and the United States, sharing music and goodwill with the new Pope – see the local news coverage here.

The choir also performed at three historic basilicas: Basilica of San Lawrence in Lucia in Rome, Basilica of Santa Trinita in Florence and Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Zhang has been part of the Jacksonville Children’s Choir for more than eight years and has sung with its Touring Choir, the highest-level ensemble, for four years. She has traveled internationally to share music and connect with audiences worldwide.

Zhang hopes to continue applying what she has learned at Bolles to promote the arts, cultural diversity and musical collaboration within the School community and beyond. #BulldogProud