Photos by Rome City Schools
Parents, students and other members of the community packed out West End Elementary School’s gymnasium as they prepared to be wowed by a handful of students. The school’s most talented youngsters presented their talents to a room full of spectators during West End’s Rising Stars Talent Show.
West End Principal, Dr. Dennis Drummond, served as announcer for the show, as other faculty members sold out of popcorn and t-shirts while the acts were warming up in the music room.
Dr. Drummond announced the first act, Malaki Alexander. Alexander began warming up the crowd with a show-stopping rap routine about what it takes to be successful in school followed by his classmate, Doris Moore, who kept the momentum going as she sang “How Far I’ll Go” from the “Moana” soundtrack.
Madeline McCarley, Alaya Bailey, Ariel Hernandez, Tonya Nguyen and Maddie and Bella Matthews braved the stage (all individually) singing their choice of songs as well.
Briasia Adams and Kamarah Finley performed a dance routine, as did another group consisting of Genesis Uzcategui, Kamryn Shetter, Abby Sandi and Ella Weaver.
Peggy Suroviec performed an amazing magic show where she made water into grape juice, made water disappear, created a toothpaste volcano that erupted and lastly, made a rabbit come out of her hat.
The crowd roared with excitement as sisters Anslee and Brylee Abrams performed a mini cheerleading routine filled with stunts and tumbling.
“We do competition cheerleading at the Stingray All-Stars in Cartersville, Georgia,” explained Brylee. “We just love to cheer and to perform in front of crowds, so showing everyone some of the things we do was so much fun!”
To end the talent show, students Abbie Thornton and Lily Lary performed a special duet as Abbie sang a beautiful melody and Lily performed a contemporary dance to the music.
After the students finished performing, several of West End’s teachers took the stage to perform their own rendition of the popular children’s song “The Wheels on the Bus.” This, of course, had the crowd going crazy in excitement, as the teachers ended their performance with a bow.
Dr. Drummond then announced that it was time to declare the Judges Choice Award winners. Each winner received a medal for their accomplishments.
Anslee and Brylee Abrams took home third place with their show-stopping cheerleading routine. Taking home second place was Stella Goya, Elin Tilley, Emma Tilley, Clara Davis, Avery Chapman, Kate Boutwell and Kimmie Harter who performed their dance routine to Justin Timberlake’s hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
Last, but certainly not least, Maddy and Maggie Ratledge, accompanied by their mom, Allye Ratledge, playing the keyboards, took home first place in West End’s Rising Star Talent Show.
“I am so proud of all of our contestants who performed here tonight. It is certain that West End has some talented students, and we are just so proud of them!” smiled Dr. Drummond.
