Park Middle School’s Gabriella Gipson and 1,200 of her fellow Antioch sixth-graders had the opportunity to attend a Saint Mary’s College women’s basketball game recently. The trip to Moraga was more than just a day to check out the team shooting hoops but also a chance to allow middle school students a first opportunity to look at life on a college campus.

“We took a long walk around the campus,” said Gipson, 11. “It was really exciting to go because I love basketball.”

As a matter of fact, it has long been the young girl’s dream to become the first girl to play in the NBA, says her mother, Annabel Carvalo. Gipson plays basketball in school and is part of Brentwood’s AA youth traveling team. During the spring, Gibson’s older brother, Isaiah, was also able to make the trip with his eighth-grade class. On that trip, Carvalo was able to attend.

“The program works to spark interest through sports to get the children to start thinking about a path to college,” Carvalo said.

The 1,200 sixth-graders who visited Saint Mary’s College represented Antioch, Black Diamond, Dallas Ranch and Park middle schools, Orchard Park School (in Oakley) and Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy. About 55 Antioch High School officials also helped out.

The middle schoolers were greeted by a group of Saint Mary’s students and counselors and later watched the Gaels women’s basketball team play, listened to speakers talk about the college and courses offered and toured the campus.

Saint Mary’s alum and former Saint Mary’s women’s basketball player Lindsay Wisely, the Antioch Unified School District’s director of educational services, secondary support, said this was a “great opportunity for our students. We really appreciate Saint Mary’s’ generosity and warm welcome.”

The tour coincided with the Saint Mary’s women’s basketball team’s season opener against the University of Nevada. The field trip is part of the Antioch school district’s efforts to expand college and career curricula to middle school students. It comes from a grant they received three years ago to implement a career class, digital curriculum and other work-based learning experiences.

“The kids created a tremendous atmosphere, and our women’s basketball team defeated Nevada, 67-58,” said Ben Enos, the media relations director at Saint Mary’s College.

Holiday chorus: With the holiday season just around the corner, the Brentwood Community Chorus is looking for voices to help share the spirit. Under the direction of Susan Stuart, the Brentwood Community Chorus will perform holiday music for the East County communities.

The music will include a variety of seasonal songs such as “Sing Noel,” “English Carol Medley” and “Keep on Ringing the Bell.” They also plan to bring to life several choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” with a string quartet. The Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir will also join in the festivities.

The community chorus is open for all who wish to apply and get involved. Rehearsals will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, and all ages are welcome. Holiday performances begin at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. Ignatius Church of Antioch, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd. Goodwill offerings for this performance will be appreciated.

Another public performance will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Admission is $10 per person, free for children 12 or younger. Tickets are available at the door or on the website of the chorus at brentwoodcommunitychorus.com.

The Brentwood Community Chorus is also participating in a recycling fundraiser. Bring sneakers, athletic shoes and used or empty inkjet cartridges to the Dec. 18 performance. Collection bins will be available in the lobby of the Brentwood Community Center.

Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.