Glenkirk Talent Show Returns After One Year Hiatus

Over three-hundred attended the Glenkirk Talent Show.

Written by Margaret Krob of the Glenkirk PTO

Glenkirk Elementary School got a taste of Hollywood Thursday night when their Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a "Glenkirk's Got Talent" Show, to a sold out crowd in the school’s gymnasium.

The two-hour talent show featured third, fourth and fifth-grade students, singing, dancing, hula hooping, playing guitar even performing original piano compositions.

This year was also significantly in that it marked the return of the talent show after a one-year absence. Glenkirk Elementary's former music teacher, Nancy Anderson, orchestrated the annual production for many years until her retirement in spring 2013. Wanting to see the Talent Show return, Glenkirk Principal Lisa Gilkerson asked PTO members over the summer if they would consider resurrecting the show. They agreed.

With the cooperation of school staff, especially, Glenkirk’s new music teacher, Shelley Reagan, PTO member Stacie Campbell volunteered to chair of the popular event.

PTO President Margaret Krob thought it was a great community-building opportunity.

"Our school is a tight knit community,” said Krob, “The PTO feels it is important to foster those strong bonds with lots of free, fun events at the school that our kids and families will love. And, we knew our students would be so excited to get a chance to be on stage and perform for their friends."

Cheyenne Davidson hula-hoops on stage.

On the night of the event, the house was packed for "Glenkirk's Got Talent" with over 300 family, friends and teachers crowding the gymnasium to watch a wide variety of performances.

Several student acts sang and danced to the pop superstars' chart toppers. Taylor Swift and Katy Perry numbers were popular choices. The glittery duo, Eliana Suhol and Jenelle O'Neill, danced to "Shake It Off." While, Alexis Garnett, clad in leopard print, sang a mighty "Roar.”

Twins Ahalyi and Atreyi Kartik belted out Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" in perfect pitch. While twin brothers Chase and Cruise Campbell, along with friend Blake Buchanan, hit a high rock note signing "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons.

The lights were dimmed as Lily Krob, Layla French, Morcel Mojadiddi and Emily Baxter danced with neon green glow sticks taped to their black costumes, making them look like skeletons. They gave an eerie and electric glow as they high kicked and twisted to Linkin Park's "Burn it Down."

The youngest student in the show, third-grader Alex Fulda, performed a charming puppet show where Kermit the Frog sang "Rainbow Connection."

For something more interactive, Cheyenne Davidson had the kids on their feet doing the "Cha-Cha Slide" as she gave dance instructions while hula hooping on stage.

Campell considered the show to be a great success.

"It's wonderful to see these kids try their hardest and have the courage to perform on a big stage like this,” she said.

But while all the lights and glamor shined on stage, PTO members know that none of it would have been possible without students also working hard behind the scenes.

PTO member Samantha Fulda managed the stage crew of 20 student volunteers. Those students worked hard to pull off the complex production that included many set changes, as well as the handling of props, delicate equipment, and, of course, the curtain.

The Talent Show Committee wanted students to be involved in every step of the process to help them see the kinds of teamwork and dedication it takes to put on a great event. It also helped the students build skills they could apply to middle school, high school even professional performances.

On Thursday night, the school ran out of seats, the PTO ran out of programs, but there was never a shortage of talent.

The PTO is currently making plans to ensure the Talent Show comes back next year in order to give more students great memories and get a taste of showbiz.

Photos by Samantha Fulda and Margaret Krob.