Cedar Mountain students show their talents

VERNON — Singing, reading, and magic tricks were on display Feb. 16, at the Cedar Mountain Primary School at the “First-Grade Fun Friday” talent show.
Melissa kicked off the show, belting “The Star Spangled Banner” to cheers and students standing with their hands on their hearts.
Emcees Frankie and Leah introduced each act, dressed in bow tie, vest, and beautiful dress.
Arabella practiced cartwheels and dance moves, only to save her performance for next week's talent show due to a little stage fright.
Logan said to his volunteer, “Pick a card and put it back in the deck. Is this the card?” “Yes.” The audience applauded in awe, “How did he guess the card?”
Carli read her original poem about her baby brother or sister and showed the sonogram at the end.
Billy, decked out in black top hat, silk cape, white gloves, and magic wand, caused a ball to disappear. The gym full of students gasped in amazement and shock.
Principal Rosemary Gebhardt explained, in the past students have even played the piano, told jokes, demonstrated martial arts and cheer-leading.
She continued, their show is a cross between “America's Got Talent” and “American Idol.” It boosts self-confidence, Gebhardt said, builds leadership skills, public speaking, and teaches how to be a good audience.
Now, she added, the students know the talent show is coming when they see her walk around on Monday with white paper. She concluded, she keeps getting more participation because the kids realize, “I can do that - I'm going to do this now.”