Hallie Kearns, of New Haven, W.Va., was all smiles as she was dressed up to perform Shirley Temple’s “Smile” with several friends.
Addie Hayman and Maggie Cummings help decorate for the Reconnecting Youth talent show at Southern High School. The girls are participants in the engaging youth class directed helping teens succeed.
Marley and Madison Maynard participate in the show’s finale which they also designed.
RACINE — A simple idea to raise funds for local scholarships has become a community event and brings back a holiday tradition.
The annual Reconnecting Youth (R.Y.) talent show at Southern High School in Meigs County is now connecting with regional talent to provide one spectacular evening showcasing youth. The event brought talent together from across county borders and the Ohio River through a cooperative effort with the Gallia-Meigs Performing Arts.
“We have partnered with Southern’s After School Kids (ASK program) and have also teamed up with the Gallia-Meigs Performing Arts. Several area students participated in the show,” said Amy Roush.
She is the teacher of Southern’s R.Y. class that focuses on helping teens succeed and remove personal barriers.
The students from both RY and ASK programs decorated the Charles W. Hayman Gymnasium for the show Saturday night. They also served dinner. Brenna Call, ASK coordinator assisted the students as well as prepare for the event.
The show and dinner are used as a major fundraiser for scholarships for youth that have been through the R.Y. program. The show featured various dance numbers and musical talent.
“I am very pleased to see the wonderful turnout and all of the youth that have shared their talent with us. It is just exciting. We have seen the show steadily grow,” Roush said.
She noted attendance was up so much, they ran short on food. She said more than 200 people attended the show.
Through the participation of the Gallia-Meigs Performing Arts, youth from Gallia, Meigs and Mason County performed. Singing performances included Kalandra Nero, Tedra Sayre and Jamie O’Brien. Jacob Hoback played his trumpet with piano accompaniment. Student rock band, Rich Requirement also performed. Rich Requirement consists of Brayden Easthom, Austin Wolfe, Derek and Damon Ledford.
Dance numbers included performances by members of the Gallia-Meigs Performing Arts, Abby Eades, Jaden Conolly, Natalie Harrison, Madison and Marlee Maynard.
“We are bringing back a tradition that disappeared about 20 years ago at Southern,” Chad Dodson, music teacher, said.
Dodson helped with the event, and he also performed a song. For years, Southern had a tradition of a variety show for Christmas. Through the R.Y. show, the tradition has been revived.
“It has been a pleasure to see so many youth participate with their talents. It takes a lot to get up there on the stage. This has been a very positive experience for all involved,” Daniel Otto, Southern High School principal, said.
He also said the community support for the event has been great.
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