Determined mom brings back school's talent show

STILLWATER — When Justine Mahon realized the Stillwater Township School's talent show had met an untimely demise, she decided to take action and bring back the show. Easier said than done for this Stillwater mom, when at first, only five kids showed interest. Undaunted, Mahon got the permission of the Stillwater Township School's administration and went to each and every lunch period to drum up interest.

Her tenacity paid off.
After months of practicing every Monday and Wednesday, the show will take the stage on Friday, April 4 in the school cafeteria and includes 35 children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

"I am so excited," Mahon said. "It has been such a positive experience to see these students help one another. The group has really grown together."

Music teachers, Kay Hatch and Katrina Franck also helped by speaking to students about their talent and the possibility of sharing it at the show. Cheryl Williver, Jen Kraft and Jenet Halpin as well as Kittatinny students Britney and Casey Smith, came weekly to spot gymnastics, help with choreography and students' ideas.

Acts include Irish dancing, gymnastics, singing solos, choreography by kids and a French Horn solo.

"This has been a lot of fun and I'm excited for the show," said second-grader, Jamie Whitby. Whitby will be doing a number to the song "I Think I Don't Dance," from High School Musical with two of his friends.

His sister, Marah, who is in third grade, will be dancing and doing gymnastics that she and her friend choreographed to the song "Roar," by Katy Perry.

Third grader, Reagan DeCaro, who is performing a solo from the movie Frozen said, "It has been a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun."

The participants of the talent show will be celebrating their hard work prior to the show with pizza on Friday during school.

"Each student will proudly wear a T-shirt that sums it all up, 'I am a star at the Stillwater Talent Show,'" said Mahon. "I wanted each student to know how talented they are and how much I have enjoyed this experience. They worked hard and came together as a group in so many ways."

The talent show sponsored by the P.T.A. and is free and open to the public. It starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, April 4.