On Friday, Jan. 23 in front of a packed auditorium, 25 acts dished out their talent to the EHS student body, friends and loved ones. From singing to yo-yoing, students shook the nerves off and took on the stage—many in a big way. By the looks of the auditorium and the echoes of applause, it’s safe to say that the 2014 talent show was a success.
The performance began with a drum solo by senior Alan Bonk, a drummer for the band Love Me, Leave Me. “I was more nervous than I thought I’d be—probably a combination of going first in front of a packed crowd and it just being me up there,” Bonk said. “It was definitely different than playing with my band, but I had a blast.”
Bonk became very involved in the talent show when he stepped up to help take care of all the music and sound, with his dad’s assistance. “I’ve loved doing sound since freshman year when my band started and it just spiraled from there,” Bonk said.
Following Bonk’s performance was a choreographed dance to the oh-so-catchy song “Wagon Wheel” by Hanna Beck and a group of friends.
“We did the talent show last year and the students really enjoyed performing and showing their stuff, so we had to do it again,” Beck said. “They were so supportive of each other. They would tell each other good job and high-five.”
Freshman Madelyn Foster sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. Her powerful voice echoed through the auditorium and wowed the audience.
For senior Jack Desse, one act was not enough. Not only did he perform with some close friends in their band called Something About Sunday, but he also performed an acoustic set with his girlfriend, senior Maggie Perkins.
“Something About Sunday and I had played before at the Wildey so we already had a bunch of songs prepared,” Desse said. “We actually decided we were going to perform Sunday Morning just before intermission.” His fellow band members include seniors Chris Miller, Sam Watts and Doug Morris.
It took a little more preparation to feel confident about his act with Perkins, but eventually, they mastered it. “It was awesome to perform with Maggie while she showcased her amazing talent that nobody realized she had.”
Everything kicked into high gear when junior Tyler Mackey and his band took over the stage. Accompanied by senior Grant McWhorter, Watts, Morris and Miller, Tyler rocked out to the song “Sweet Victory“ while the audience stood on their feet and waved their phone lights in the air.
“All I can say is it was so much fun to sing with a band,” Mackey said. “When I saw people flashing lights, I got pumped. It was the best experience ever.”
Dozens of other talented acts blew the audience away. A magic show by sophomore Devon Woodcox left the audience in wonder. The Cheetah Girls made an appearance and many teenage girls found themselves back in their childhood. Senior Nick Papajcik recited an original poem that cued a standing ovation. The talent just kept coming.
“You could tell that everyone was having a blast,” Bonk said, “and that’s what made it fun for me as a sound guy and for the crowd.”
