Alumnus Clint Holmes Returns to Lake Shore for Special Student Engagement Visit
ANGOLA, NY — May 15, 2026
A homecoming celebration brings local music history full circle as a legendary graduate inspires current high school students and previews an upcoming student broadcast.
ANGOLA, NY — Lake Shore Senior High School welcomed back international recording artist, entertainer, and proud graduate Clint Holmes for an authentic, student-centered afternoon of storytelling and mentorship. Arriving at 1:00 PM today, Holmes returned to his alma mater during a regional visit for his upcoming concert at the Riviera Theatre and his milestone 80th birthday celebration. His visit provided our current students with a first-hand look at how local roots can blossom into a celebrated global career.
While touring the building, Holmes met extensively with members of the high school music department and spent time exchanging ideas with student musicians. Standing in the high school library, he fondly recalled breaking his wrist during a basketball game back when the space was the school's active gymnasium, and spoke warmly about his early performances singing classic carols in the district concert series.
The visit highlighted the profound historical connections within the district's arts programs. Holmes’ mother, a British opera singer, and his father, an American jazz musician, met during World War II and settled locally. His mother became a staple of the local arts community, providing private vocal instruction to many residents in our neighborhood, including current Lake Shore music faculty member Mr. Jeff Connors.
"Music is joyful, and what I do is what I am," Holmes reflected while discussing his lifetime of artistic achievements with our classes.
Before concluding his afternoon at the school, Holmes sat down for an exclusive interview with the student-led production staff of Eagle News. The interview, filmed right in the department studios, focused on his advice for young creative minds and his memories of growing up in southern Erie County. The full segment will be broadcast across the district website and digital channels in the coming days.
The Lake Shore Central School District extends its warmest congratulations to Clint Holmes on his legendary career and milestone birthday, and gives sincere thanks for his continued dedication to inspiring our student-athletes and musicians.