Forest Hills High School’s Annual Talent Show commenced on Thursday, February 6. This year’s show showcased dance teams, student bands, solo dances, musicians, singers, and an assortment of endless talent.
Some are born talented. Some practice over and over to perfect their talents over time. As the focus of school is mostly academics, the FHHS Factor invites members of the student community to present their proudest hobbies and skills to their friends, family, and staff.
“I’ve always liked music and I wanted to start a band. So I learned how to play the guitar, got a drummer. I got a bassist,” Jackson Lee, a junior stated. Lee performed as a band in the talent show with his friends.
“Luckily a lot of the people I know have experience in music,” he said.
One memorable moment during the show was when Belinda Naranjo sang a song that she composed herself while playing the guitar. Her song was about supporting her best friend, even if they grew apart.
Members of the audience applauded and cheered for their friends and family after each performance. From an audience perspective, seeing students “in their element” and performing from the heart on stage makes the event worth-while.
Senior Tenzin Tenphel said, “I think the importance of the talent show is for people to show what they believe their talents are so that they can put themselves out there in a way they can’t in everyday life.”
Auditioning and being part of the show’s performances provides Hills students with pride, as each individual contributes something unique to the experience. Tenphel notes, “Now that I’m a senior, yes, I would’ve performed at the talent show with my friend, Paul, if I knew about it earlier, for the memories.”
Ms. Kelly, Coordinator of Student Affairs and social studies teacher, organizes the annual event with Student Government. Preparations began with posters to promote the event. In an unbiased manner, performers are selected through lots of practice and an eventual voting process.
There are prize-winners for first, second, and third place. Sofia Sulaymanov, Kaliyah Hoy, and Rachel Pulatova placed first as a trio, winning a pair of wireless speakers. “I did not expect for us to win at all,” Sophia said. Second place came Isabelle Rewah, who sang “Once Upon a December,” an audience favorite. Thanas Sinaya placed third for his piano performance.
As the years progress, the performances continue to entertain. Throughout her experience organizing the event, Ms. Kelly has seen an abundance of talent in many forms, all of which come from a place of passion and heart. “I certainly appreciate [the talent], especially when I have students that write their songs and perform them. That is what makes you vulnerable, and I admire the courage the students have to put it all out there.”
