From drum solos to rapping to Irish Dance, the show was full of many unique talents.

Hershey High School (HHS) and Milton Hershey School (MHS) came together to put on a talent show on Saturday,

January 7. This performance showcased students from both schools. There were a variety of acts including dancing, singing, drumming, and rapping. The students performed at Founders Hall and any donations benefited the Ronald McDonald House.

Kodiak Thompson, HHS Senior, is part of Hershey Community Youth Alliance (HCYA). This club worked together with Milton Hershey to put on the show. According to Erin Ives, advisor for HCYA, there are no official presidents for the club; however, Thompson and Cameron Brown played a big role in putting the show together.

“The true goals of the talent show are to bring students from MHS and HHS together,” Thompson said, “and to collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House.”

Ives agrees. She believes that the talent show is important because it allows students from both schools to unite through their unique talents. She also believes it’s important to recognize students both on and off the stage.

“We are always connected [now],” senior Emily Nolan said. Nolan was glad for the opportunity to perform with the MHS students since the two schools, HHS and MHS, are so close to each other. She hopes that they’ll be more opportunities to perform and work alongside the MHS students in the future.

MHS student, Diavian Gunner, sang the song, “Fly Before You Fall”. Gunner believes that the talent show allowed students to see a wide variety of performances. “People from here (MHS) are from everywhere,” Gunner said. She believes that the talent she saw was a representation of not just popular culture from PA but from many different states.

Gunner also believes it gave students the opportunity to perform a talent that represents who they are. Ives agrees as well. “I think it’s important because we need to appreciate each other’s gifts,” Ives said.

The talent show showcased many talents. Many people, like Gunner, sang, but sophomore Audrey Stinson was one of many students who played the drums on Saturday. Maggie Lane and her brother Tommy Lane performed an Irish Dance together. MHS student, William Schrader, rapped, and Deandre Baire, another MHS student, danced. The show ended with HHS’ new Chocapella group singing the closing song.

Overall, Thompson thinks the night went well. “The talent show was most certainly a success,” Thompson said. “It truly improves each year.”

Not only did HCYA raise money for Ronald McDonald House, but the club also brought together the two schools. As Thompson said,  “It’s a great opportunity for artistic students to bridge the gap between the two schools.”

Videos:

1. Sophomore, Audrey Stinson, is an HHS student. She performed a drum solo for the talent show on Saturday January 7, 2017. (Broadcaster/Echo Rogers)
2. HHS students, Lydia Neuhauser, Emily Nolan, and Kodiak Thompson, perform “Broadway Here I Come” from Smash. (Broadcaster/Echo Rogers)
3. HMS student, Donavan Burney, dances to a “A Dane Mix by Donnie” on Saturday January 7, 2017. (Broadcaster/Echo Rogers)