Schools highlight local talent at show

RANGELY I If it’s entertainment you’re in search of, look no further than the Rangely Junior-Senior High School auditorium tonight.
A talent show featuring the town’s top middle and high school performers begins at 7 p.m. Thursday. The event is part of an effort to encourage parent and community involvement in the schools, according to sixth-grade reading and English instructor Stephanie Kahler. High school social studies teacher Brittany Meeker came up with the idea last fall and partnered with Kahler to make the show happen.
“We just wanted to bring back more activities here,” Kahler said. “We want to do something to show parents and the community these kids’ special talents, not only in maintaining their grades, but in dedicating themselves to this project during rehearsals and at home. It’s also a great way to have a night for the community to get together.”
Approximately 15 acts, among them singing, dancing, poetry recital, a magic act and cup stacking, will compete for top honors at the show. Winners in the solo and group categories will take home $60, $30 or $10 prizes with all participants netting a specially designed T-shirt for taking part in the two-hour event.
Free to the public, the talent show is sponsored by a District Accountability Committee grant. Donations accepted Thursday night will help fund talent show costs next year.
In recognition of the student talent that happens off-stage, a Powerpoint show highlighting students’ art and photography will be played during intermission. Junior class concessions will also be available.
Kahler said she hopes the talent show, like the drama production put on earlier this school year, will fuel future efforts to engage the community in school-related functions.
“We’re hoping that if they see the turnout, other teachers will step up to do something like this,” Kahler said. “It’s been a lot of fun and we’re hoping it’s all going to be worth it. We want to bring some traditions back and bring people together here at our school.”