In late January, students in Eastern York School District had the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage during a district-wide talent show held at Eastern York High School. "We had 16 acts, and we really had a little bit of everything," said Lindsey Pangburn, president of the performing arts booster club, which hosted the event. "We had some singing, dancing, baton twirling, and someone read an original poem."

A repeat performer demonstrated his unique ability to solve a Rubik's Cube, Pangburn noted, and a local Girl Scout troop recited the Girl Scout Promise and sang the "Cookie Echo Song."

"We had someone play the guitar, and we had someone who played the ukulele and sang," Pangburn commented. "It was a really nice show, and we had a great response from our audience. We had about 100 people in attendance, and when the kids did their curtain call, they got a standing ovation."

Pangburn noted that students also worked behind the scenes with the show, operating lights and running the sound.

This is the third year for the talent show, which the booster club holds as a way to support students and promote its program. "We think it's important for all the kids in the district to showcase their talents," Pangburn remarked, noting that performers included elementary school students, high school students and two students who are homeschooled but live in the district. "Our booster club was looking for more ways to provide events and to encourage kids in the district to embrace their talents. We thought this was a good way to start."

Each performer was presented with a participation certificate, and students who have participated for more than one year were also acknowledged. One student, Macy Hershberger, was recognized for performing in all three years of the show.

Along with the talent show, the performing arts program hosts a theater summer camp that began last year and will continue this coming summer. "We are just in the planning stages, but we are looking at dates in July for the camp," Pangburn said. "It's for kids in grades K through 12, and it's a lot of fun. The kids make their own props and put together their own costumes, and then they perform for parents on Friday night at the end of the week."

The performing arts booster club also supports Eastern York School District students who are participating in the spring musical. This year's show is "Matilda the Musical," and it will be performed from Thursday, March 16, through Saturday, March 18.