Cony Hosts 18th Annual Calloway Coffeehouse
By Rekha Goonesekere 10/30/2022
Over $1,000 were raised at the 18th annual Calloway Coffeehouse in remembrance of former Cony teacher Chellie Calloway.
The event - which is a collaboration between the Cony Key Club, Music and Arts Departments, and the Family Violence Project- raised $1,200 for domestic violence survivors and prevention. Chevelle “Chellie” Calloway was a beloved social studies teacher who was tragically killed by her estranged husband in 2004.
The Coffeehouse was held in the auditorium opposed to the usual food court setting- an adjustment made last year to fit Covid-19 regulations. It was also live streamed to the Cony Facebook page by Principal Silsby. It featured twelve performances by student musicians, ranging from singing to viola playing.
“It was honestly so surreal getting up there to perform our piece after working on it for so long,” says Carter Miville, who sang a duet with fellow freshman Gabby Martinez. “The amount of dedication and work that went into the event really came through in the final result.”
While viewers enjoyed food during intermission, a remembrance video of Calloway made by the Key Club played outside the auditorium. The video included various Cony teachers sharing their memories of Calloway.
Nancy Provost spoke for the Family Violence Project during the show. The Family Violence Project also put on the vigil that started off the event. Participants held candles in a circle outside the auditorium as students and Family Violence representatives spoke, recited poems, and read the names of those lost to domestic violence in Maine this year.
“That added piece [as in the vigil] I think was kind of extra special,” says Key Club advisor Ms. Weis. “We normally don’t have that and a lot of you have never experienced anything like that.”
The Family Violence Project also provided contact resources and set up Silent Witness Project cutouts, telling the stories of domestic violence victims.
An art display was placed outside the auditorium, including work from Cony’s photography and art classes.
Feedback on the night was immensely positive. Ms. Weis noted hearing a lot of praise after the performance and the following day.
“It was so good,” remarked Junior Ayla Noftall. “Everyone did amazing.”
“I feel it went great,” recalled Key Club member and Freshman Matteo Hardy. “The amount of money we raised was amazing.”
“I’m just grateful for everyone that made this happen,” says Ms. Weis.
“I know that it means a lot to a lot of people and when I see some of the people in the auditorium that I don’t recognize, y’know, you don’t know why they’re there,” she continues. It may be students’ parents or grandparents, or it could be people who knew Ms. Calloway or her family, or have been impacted by domestic violence and received support from the Family Violence Project.
Next year, Calloway Coffeehouse plans on being returned to the food court. Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved and support from the community, the event continues to spread domestic violence awareness and keep Ms. Calloway’s memory alive.