Students at the Ponoka Outreach School stepped out of their comfort zone and showed off their talents last week.
The school hosted its third annual talent show March 20 with some big stars shining after the event. Social studies teacher Shelia Cooke says the show is a way for kids to present their craft or skills.
“It gives us a chance for kids to show stuff they don’t necessarily show,” said Cooke.
While the school works on educating kids with academics, teachers do not have the chance to include crafts, which include art or music. It’s also a way to get kids to interact.
“Some people are really nervous about it…It opens up discussions with people,” Cooke explained.
Another benefit of the talent show is there are no losers. Students do not have to worry about losing or negative feedback from their peers. “There’s no negative after, which I think is encouraging for the kids.”
Some highlights from the talent show
There were singers, dance video presentations and art slideshows during the event and also two performances stood out.
Danika McLeod showed off some of her original paintings to students. Each one discussed a social issue that McLeod wanted people to see. One painting depicted a woman in pain. McLeod said it tells the story of women who are in abusive relationships.
McLeod started painting as soon as she could pick up a pencil and her mother is a painter as well. She enjoys this form of expression.
“I just like doing it for fun mostly,” said McLeod.
Another presentation by Tyrell Foureyes and his brother Dreton, drew some laughs and interest. Tyrell has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing for the last five years and Dreton for the last five months. Tyrell showed students some of the ways a person could defend himself/herself in the event of an attack.
Tyrell is having a strong season, too, with a 9-1 record for 2013-14. “I like doing knockouts.”
For him the combat sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the most fun. “It’s all technique, it’s not strength.”
Students concluded the day with ice cream sundaes and some fellowship.