Here are some thoughts from a small sampling of people who have known and loved Sarah during her five years at BYU.
Sarah, you have been the brightest, most cheerful and unfailingly helpful TA I’ve ever had. (Or at least you did a great job in keeping up that façade if you weren’t actually feeling bright and cheerful all the time!) I was always knew that when I asked you to do something, from running a review session to perusing my exams for mistakes to grading papers or dealing with whining students, you took it on board with a smile on your face. And I knew it would get done promptly and professionally.
And you were a delight to have as a student in my classes, as well. That enthusiasm and commitment you demonstrated as an assistant flowed over into the work you did for me as a student. You were perpetually eager to learn. And I don’t believe you ever fell asleep in my class (which automatically distinguishes you from the majority.) Well done.
Good luck with everything, Sarah. Come back and visit.
Dr. H.
Sarah! If I had a few lines to say something about your influence on me, here is what I would say: you have inspired me. That sounds hokey and cliche, but let me explain. You are such a unique person, with a sense of purpose and strong positiveness. Lots of people in the world are naturally positive people, but not all of them have that resolve behind it. You may have "only" been my section leader in Concert Choir, but that tenacious happiness has reached me through your teaching, through your attitude as a member of the choir, and even as a distant acquaintance back in Women's Chorus. I knew who you were ;) And you played "Belle" marvelously. I don't think anyone else could exemplify a smart, courageous Disney princess any better! Even then, you had a unique zest and energy that makes you an incredible woman. Congrats on graduation, and I know you have great things in store!
Love, A.
Sarah,
Thank you for being so wonderful! I wanted to let you know that sitting next to you in Concert Choir and having you as a section leader was such a blessing. Not only do you have a beautiful voice, but you have a beautiful spirit. I know you will bless the lives of so many people no matter where you go. You have blessed mine. :)
Love, J.
Sarah Machado, you are a very special young lady who has a very special Lyric Coloratura Soprano voice!!!
The first time I met Sarah, she greeted me with a big smile and warm "Hello!". As we began to work together, I could feel Sarah's passion and desire for music and love of singing. She really wanted to learn how to sing well! She would listen attentively, then try and create the sounds freely, and then would practice them until she got it into the muscle memory correctly. She would come back well prepared and ready to learn and absorb more.
Sarah took time out in her busy schedule to assist with the super-titles for our Fall Opera (Tales of Hoffmann). She found it very helpful in hearing and watching other singers rehearse and perform, and came back to the studio singing even better, just from this experience. I appreciated her willingness to help and serve others with such kindness and thoughtfulness.
Sarah and I worked together for only a short time (about three semesters), but she made great progress!
At her last vocal jury, she sang so well that one of the professors thought she should go into Vocal Performance, AND personally invited her to audition for a lead in the Fall Opera!
But Sarah had other things in mind. She had been dating a very fine, young man by the name of Chris Machado, and that was her first priority - him! She also wanted to complete her Music Education Degree, and went full speed ahead.
I was delighted to learn that she had married this special man, Chris Machado, and that he was also at BYU working on his Music Education/Choral Conducting Degree AND that he had a beautiful tenor voice!
It has been terrific working this year with Sarah's husband, Chris Machado, who I think will - in not too distant of future -be the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Director. Mark my words, Chris has what it takes! And I am delighted that he is working so diligently at training his beautiful tenor voice to really learn how to sing freely and effortlessly! Chris will be singing his whole life, AND teaching others to sing. Now is HIS window to really get his voice singing well, as Sarah has done with her voice.
Sarah, congratulations on all of your successes here at BYU and on your upcoming graduation!!! I'm so happy for you, and am thrilled for you and Chris, and wish you all the best! The Lord will surely continue to bestow His love and blessings on you as you continue your journey together!!!
My hope it that both of you will keep in touch, and let me know how you both are doing!
I am grateful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to work with such an incredible and talented young lady!!!
Bravissimo and congratulations, Sarah Machado!
All the best,
Professor C.
Sarah,
You will be one of those students that I will always remember with fondness. Your wonderful work ethic and determination made you progress in a very special way. I have no doubt that you will be successful in whatever you do - as a wife, mother and teacher. Thanks for your bright and happy attitude.
Wishing you the greatest blessings.
D. B.
Sarah, you have alway impressed me as being a strong, but humble student and teacher. You simply consider yourself capable of succeeding despite any set of challenges you given. This is the right attitude, and it is true! You CAN succeed. You've been a model student and you will be a great teacher. Best wishes!
Dr. B
Dear Sarah,
You're finally graduating and moving on. How exciting that must feel. I wouldn't actually know, cause I can't seem to get the hang of the moving on part...haha. As you leave, I am reminded of some of the great adventures we went on.
It all started in 235. What a time we had. I still look back with fondness at our greenroom escapade getting ready for our final and taking turns pretending to be Sister Hall. What a fun fun time we had.
Then the next year as you and Isaac tirelessly tried to help prep me for my grad interview with Dr. S and Sis H. Making me sing, asking me uncomfortable questions, having me sight read hymns at the piano, and then of course your absolute unwavering support and confidence in me. I can't begin to say how much that has meant to me.
Most recently there was the adventure of Spring Chorale, Easter Choir and Concert Choir. I enjoyed watching you work with the choirs, hearing your input and suggestions, and of course your willingness and passion at helping out. I was so happy that you participated with us in the Easter Program. It was such a joy to have you there and have your voiced added to the others.
This college life is such an adventure. You, my dear Sarah, have gone through it with such grace, confidence, charity, humility, kindness and happiness. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to know you, work with you, learn with you, and be counted as one of your friends. I'm so thankful for the influence for good that you've had in my life, and in the lives of countless others here at BYU.
Don't ever forget the great times you had here. Remember them with fondness. Remember them with joy. For, we will remember you with fondness and joy.
I wish you the absolute best in the coming adventures of your life!
L. S.
Sarah Hunsaker Machado! Here are a few words that immediately come to mind when I think of you: Sunshine. Smile. Kindness. Diligence. Love. Integrity. Friend. You brightly exhibit each and have since the day I met you. Your love for the gospel, for others, and for life shines in everything you do. You are the type of person who makes others feel loved and uplifted just by being around them. And what's more, you are able to be awesome without being intimidating...I feel so comfortable around you and never inferior, though your accomplishments are great. Congratulations on making it through our beloved music program! I can't wait to hear where life takes you and Chris...I am certain that marvelous adventures await you both.
Thank you for being such a constant friend and example. I will always cherish (and laugh about) the day when you helped me register for the Praxis before (and during) University Chorale! Oh, good times 
Again, congratulations! Yay life, and yay you! Good luck with all that lays ahead. I love you so much. May you always be the wonderful person you are!
Love,
K. C.
Congratulations Sarah! What a terrific achievement. You can't say enough for a college degree. No matter what you do with it, you have nonetheless learned valuable life lessons that will bless you and your family for years to come. My New Testament professor once said, "Children will rarely exceed the ignorance of their mothers." If thats true, then I would say that your children are lucky to have you, being as bright and accomplished as you are.
D. J.
Congratulations Sarah! It's been such a privilege to have been roommates and friends with you. I know you're going to be a fabulous teacher because you make everyone around you want to be just like you when they grow up! I know that's the case for me, anyway. Your goodness is contagious and I can't help but be happy when you're around. Thanks for all the fun times, and best of luck as you sally forth into the great unknown! Oh, and remember what I said about being the voice actress for a future Disney princess. I still think it's in your future somewhere.
M. M.
Sarah,
Congratulations on graduating! Celebrate-you deserve it! I am so glad that we were able to serve together and become friends! You probably don't know how much you taught me. I am so grateful for the spirit that you bring and your strong testimony of the Gospel. You have a happiness about you, and a way of making people feel loved and important. I know that you are going to accomplish great things and be a blessing to all who are fortunate enough to meet you! Good luck and lots of love!
J.S.
Sarah, you're one of those people who I know I'll never forget. You taught me how to love life, to never give up, and to always live my faith everyday. I'll never forget all of our late night discussions about where our lives were going to end up and all of our silly times as well. I still think of ya every time I watch the movie Elf or hear something in Hebrew. You're an amazing girl Sarah and you're going to change the world!! I love ya and miss ya like crazy!
K. B.
Sarah, you first came into my life as a pragmatic, diligent, focused, organ 115 student. I was, and still am, impressed, that whether or not you were required to take my class, you took personal interest in it - your focus was to play the organ, not just to jump through another set of hoops. I have since had the distinct pleasure of becoming friends with you as a peer and colleage, through your leadership in Concert Choir, early morning rehearsals in Schola Cantorum Occidentalis, talks about books, ideas, computer programs, faith, and so on. I particularly appreciated a couple of talks we had about reaching out to those we love, and acting in faith - you may not remember them, but I certainly do. You are a true friend, a vibrant personality, and someone I hope to maintain contact with, musically, professionally, and personally for a long time to come.
Love, R.
During our mortal lives we meet many different people, but only some of them leave a deep impression in our soul and heart. That happens because someone decided to love and serve us. I have already said that a hundred times, but I will say it again. Sarah, you are an angel in my life and in the lives of so many other people.
You have always been supportive, a wonderful friend and loving woman.
When I was a foreign in a strange land you gave me love and care. I could trully feel how God loves me when I had the chance to meet you and be your roommate. You are always here to help me. As an angel you gave me comfort and love when I had no family. Always giving me good counsel, trying to cheer me up, making me laugh with you great sense of humor. What huge blessing was this one to meet you and learn from you.
You are super special not only because of your love and friendship to me. I could learn more about what it means to be a true disciple of Christ by your example. I saw you serving hard in your calling at Church, always trying to improve, showing love and being so thoughtful with your fellowman and family, helping otgers around you, always reading excellent books and dressing the best clothes with modesty. And last, but surely not least, I miss you studying music in our apartment, making funny voices and playing songs in your cell phone. How I miss that. It made me so happy to live in a place full of good music. I am so grateful I had the chance to meet you and be blessed by your example.
You love music and that only makes your light shine brither. I love you very very much. I hope you have a great time now you graduating from college. You are truly the best!
With much love,
B. M.
