SO MUCH TALENT AT WESTGATE!
Westgate Elementary students recently had a very exciting night at South Middle School in Arlington Heights. Thirty-three acts that included kindergarteners to fifth graders showcased quite an array of talent at Westgate's "Variety Show." This annual tradition has united the school's community for 24 years!
The 5th Grade Act began the evening with a bang. A long-standing Westgate tradition, the class sang six familiar pop songs but with the words slightly changed to reflect life as a fifth grader. It was such a bittersweet way to end their time at Westgate!
Quite a few large dance ensembles graced this year's Variety Show. Anything from a 2nd grade act of Hawaiian girls to a group of 4th graders performing "Hard Knock Life" to 1st graders with glow-in-the-dark tam tams were included. Before intermission "The Westgate Walkers" danced to the song "Thriller" which proved to be both a scary and exciting performance! The evening ended with an amazing and funny dance number from 5th graders known as the "Dancing Divas."
The variety of the evening continued with jokes told by the Repak brothers, basketball tricks from "Be Like Mike," a couple of baton acts called "Hit the Road Jack" and "Twirler," and the amazing Jack Laske who is Westgate's notorious "Rubik Master." There were also a mix of musical performances such as the Martin brothers' band "White Stripes Medley," Nathan Georg on piano, and the violin/piano/cello group playing "Wake Me Up".
An assortment of small group acts and a few soloists were also part of the evening. Some of these soloists included the "wicked" Louisa Finch singing "Defying Gravity," a breathtaking Irish dance from Margaret Lennon, and the show stopping performance of Kate Svoboda as"Matilda". The Variety Show also provides students with leadership opportunities to work as backstage crew or on the lighting and sound crew.
The Variety Show is ran by a group of Westgate teachers who love to inspire the raw talent in young children. "It's such a rewarding experience to be part of the contagious excitement felt by performers and student crew members alike. I'm always amazed by our student body's' talent, dedication, and creativity. Each year our students find new and clever ways to show off their talents," said Amy Arce, a second grade teacher at Westgate Elementary School and one of the Westgate Variety Show Directors.