Whether it was a vocal performance or a dance number, or playing the guitar or saxophone, this year’s Hart District’s Got Talent, hosted by the WiSH Education Foundation, saw the highest number of performers since the event’s inception.
The Saugus High School theater was filled with music ranging from classical to pop in the Feb. 27 event, as students and other members of the William S. Hart Union High School District took center stage to overcome their fears and share their talent with the rest of the community.
Chirsty Alben, vice chair of the WiSH Foundation, has been credited as the heart of the annual event.
Some students, who may be involved in extracurriculars and have other responsibilities, may not have the time or may not want to join other performance groups on campus, which is where the idea was born.
“We have tripled in the last three years. There are five students that have performed all three years with us. There are 10 students returning from last year,” Alben told the audience on the night of the show.
Rio Norte Junior High School had the largest student participation, with 16 acts participating in the show. There were over 30 performances from students across all local junior and high schools.
Before showtime, students were provided guidance by professional entertainers Michael Nomad Ripoll and Danyelle Lola Sanders to ensure each performer felt confident when taking the stage and deliveringan engaging number.
The show gives students an opportunity to showcase their hidden talents while also bridging the outside community with the Hart district.
“This allows us to continue connection with what our mission is at WiSH, while also showcasing talent through the arts,” said Cherise Moore, Hart district board member. Moore is also on the board of directors for the nonprofit WiSH Foundation.
“Folks don’t really get to always share their talent. This is something they may not do outside of the talent show. This may be outside of the district so for many of them, getting to be a part of this talent show is really an opportunity for them to show with the community something that they love,” Moore said.
As students performed throughout the night, Moore hopes that they don’t lose the excitement and continue to share “that creative energy that they have around that talent and then take it to the next level, whatever that might be, because it’s something that they are really proud of, and we’re really proud of them,” she added.
“My hope is that we continue to grow each year and this will be a must-see, a must-perform event. I am blown away by this talent, as I have been for the last two years now,” Alben said.
