32nd annual Showcase of Stars delights audiences

Submitted by Johnston County public Schools

SMITHFIELD — Students from 32 Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) took to the stage for the 2024 Showcase of Stars recently in Johnston Community College’s Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Parents and families watched as children from 18 elementary, six middle and eight high schools showed off their talents for the annual event.

A total of 38 ensemble directors and 995 students were involved in Showcase of Stars. The showcase, which is a partnership program between Johnston County Education Foundation and JCPS, was hosted by the wonderful performing arts staff at Johnston Community College, and consisted of three shows over two days that included choir ensembles, instrumental ensembles and step teams.

The children and their directors worked hard perfecting their acts for several months, and then spent the week before the show at Johnston Community College rehearsing on the big stage. For some students, it was their first time in a professional theater with professional lighting and sound. Others had been a part of the event since elementary school, and were participating in their final Showcase of Stars as seniors.

For parent Taylor Andrews, it was a full-circle moment. Andrews performed in Showcase of Stars in 1997 and 1998 during his fourth and fifth grade years at Wilson’s Mills Elementary. On Saturday, he watched his own daughter, a first grader at Princeton Elementary, perform in her first showcase.

“I think it’s important for the kids to get together and have a good time, and to show their talents,” he said.

As event goers entered Johnston Community College’s Great Hall, they were treated to an art exhibit. Twentynine art teachers prepared artwork from 23 schools. For the second year, visual art teachers compiled art from children of all grades, highlighting another important piece of JCPS Fine Arts.

The Johnston County Education Foundation and JCPS have proudly co-hosted Showcase of Stars since the first performance in 1992. Johnston Community College has also been a partner, hosting the event in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium every year except for two during the auditorium’s remodel.

“Audiences left Johnston Community College with a feeling of amazement from the awesome performances from our wonderful schools,“ said Darla Peedin, Executive Director for the Johnston County Education Foundation. “Students enjoyed performing not only for their community, but enjoyed this chance to perform with other schools across Johnston County. The Showcase of Stars gives the Fine Arts Programs in our schools a chance to be stars,” Peedin added.

“Showcase has always been a magical event, but for some reason, this year feels extra magical.,” said JCPS Fine Arts Specialist Sarah-Fawn McLamb. “It's a celebration of the JCPS Arts Education Family. We are all moving our hearts toward the same goal, and in the same direction.”