Elementary, middle and high school students from Garner area schools will perform at South Garner High School at 6:30 p.m. on November 13 for the annual event known as “Stars on Stage”.
Last year, about 400 students performed and over 1000 members of the community attended the free event, which included choir, drumming, modern dance, orchestra and band performances.
“Stars on Stage allows them to present to our community the talents the kids have and promote the arts,” event coordinator Shalon Maxile said. Maxile is on the board of the Garner Educational Foundation, which sponsors Stars on Stage.
Last year’s performance culminated in a grand finale with all of the schools represented performing together, allowing the students from elementary schools to see examples of how they can continue in the performing arts as they get older.
“We hope the older kids get inspired by the younger kids,” Maxile said.
This year the students will perform “This is Me” from the Greatest Showman for the grand finale, said Sara McBrayer, the music teacher at Vandora Springs Elementary.
“I’m so amazed at not only the talent of these 4th and 5th grade students, but the dedication they have for an after school program. We have only had a handful of rehearsals to prepare for Stars on Stage, and they have definitely risen to the occasion. It’s been a joy to work with my students and the organizers of this event,” McBrayer said. “This is my first ‘Stars on Stage’, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Vandora Springs and other Garner schools showcase at this performance.”
The event is also a fundraising opportunity for the Garner Educational Foundation. Donations are accepted at the door, but the event is free and open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.
The Garner Educational Foundation is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1991 to serve all students in Garner. It brings together educators, parents and businesses and provides books and technology to schools, gives out awards and scholarships and sponsors other events like the Margaret Bingham Storytelling Festival.
This year the schools participating are Aversboro Elementary School, Bryan Road Elementary School, East Garner Elementary School, Rand Road Elementary School, Smith Elementary School, Timber Drive Elementary School, Vance Elementary School, Vandora Springs Elementary School, East Garner Magnet Middle School, North Garner Middle School, Garner Magnet High School and South Garner High School.
Other upcoming fundraisers for the Garner Educational Foundation include a Bunco Fundraiser on January 25 and a Murder Mystery Dinner Party on Valentine’s Day. More information can be found at www.garneredfoundation.org.