Young and underrated: The talent of high schoolers shouldn't be overlooked

By Jamie Strickland

While the focus of this issue of the magazine is on the skillful athletes on football fields across Johnston County, I’d like to take a moment to call your attention to another batch of extremely talented students, too. Our local performing arts programs are packed full of brilliant and capable kids.

Having a daughter who was a freshman in high school afforded me the opportunity to attend some of their plays and concerts over the past school year.

I admit, at first I moaned and groaned a bit about attending performances that she was not involved in. Everyone loves to see their own kid in a play or musical ensemble, but the idea of attending those school events to watch other kids was a bit less exciting.

That was, until I sat through two or three of them and was absolutely blown away by the level of talent exhibited.

When we heard that West Johnston High School was doing a full production musical of “Beauty and the Beast” and some of our neighborhood kids were in it, we reserved tickets right away. My daughter wanted to see her friends perform, and being her chauffeur, I figured I might as well stay for the show. My love for that particular Disney movie may have influenced my decision as well.

To say I was impressed would be a major understatement. I expected some cute song and dance with some local kids who were trying their best. I received a Broadway-caliber show with a full orchestra, amazing vocal talent, a beautiful set and costumes that looked expertly designed. Maybe I’m easily impressed, but I’m telling you, this show was as good as some that I’ve seen at professional venues, and paid a whole lot more for tickets to see.

My middle school-aged son even enjoyed it, and if you’re familiar with pre-teen boys, you know that’s really saying something. Then, there was the Smithfield-Selma High School production of “Clue.”

Watching these teens deliver minutes-long monologues without stumbling over a single word was beyond impressive. The student actors were truly exceptional, wrapping the audience up in the nuance and humor of the classic play.

With a true love of singing and all things musical, my daughter joined both the chorus and the gospel choir at Smithfield-Selma last year. They hosted a talent show at the end of the school year to raise funds for the program, and had everything from instrumentals to vocals to dance to martial arts to monologues and more performed by students and a few teachers too.

Did you know that SSS has a jazz band and a drum line? And they’re good! Really good! My daughter stepped out of her comfort zone and sang a duet with another girl, which they also choreographed beautifully. It was a proud mom moment, for sure. By the end of the talent show when the gospel choir took the stage to wrap up the night, I am not exaggerating when I tell you those kids had some audience members in tears. They took us to church, plain and simple. There was power in their voices and in their message, and it resonated with all of us.

If hearing the words “high school play” brings to mind images of awkward teens, stuttering and trying not to forget their lines, let me assure you, that’s not what you’re going to find on a stage in Johnston County. Our schools are producing some outstanding performers, as well as athletes and artists and scholars who will one day proudly tell the world that they grew up in JoCo.

Grab some tickets to your local high school’s plays, concerts, exhibits or sporting events this fall. They’re inexpensive and the money will go to support these programs, giving even more students the chance to shine. Lets fill those seats and show these kids some extra support. Let them know their community is proud of them. I know I am.