COKEVILLE — The Cokeville High School Music Department presented the “Celebration Showcase,” commemorating 40 years of Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, in the Cokeville High School auditorium. The Show Choir auditioned singing group got its start in 1984 by founder, John Miller, who was the director of band and choir at CHS.

Miller came to Cokeville in 1979 and became an incredible addition to the staff at CHS as he created a tradition of excellence in the art of music for students who were blessed to be a part of his program. Miller was shot in the shoulder during the Cokeville hostage crisis at Cokeville Elementary in 1986. During a recent neck surgery, that bullet was removed.

Miller surprised past students and community members on Wednesday when he attended the Celebration Showcase with his wife, Theresa. Memories were shared and John joined Celebration alumni in singing “Carol of the Bells,” a tradition he started years ago. John retired from teaching at Powell High School and continues to reside there.