Elementary and middle school students across the District have been getting an early look at the Black History Month programs at all three Westerville high schools ahead of their community performances.
This week, Westerville Central High School students visited Minerva France Elementary, performing poetry, song and dances from their “This is Us” program.
The BHM crew from Westerville North High School dropped by Cherrington Elementary and Genoa Middle School to highlight their “Roots and Rhythm” show with a fashion show, dances and a BHM trivia game.
The traveling tour for Westerville South High School’s BHM team made stops at Robert Frost, Mark Twain and Pointview elementaries this week, giving students a sample of performances from their “Price of Dreams” show.
This year’s BHM shows across the three high schools all cover topics that resonate across their student community: understanding your roots, discovering who you are and defining your identity.
WESTERVILLE CENTRAL
Student directors behind Westerville Central’s Black History Month program chose to spotlight the transition from high school to life at an HBCU, sharing the stories of five individuals whose journeys mirror those of many students.
“We chose this topic because after high school, it’s hard to find where your next spot is going to be,” said senior Mel-Victoria Bila, who wrote the show. “When you are a teen and moving onto adult life, you face hardships and a world of new opportunities.”
The program features a variety of artistic performances including spoken word performances, singing, acting and various dances. Showtime is 7 p.m. Feb. 18 at the high school auditorium. Ticket information is available here.
WESTERVILLE NORTH
This year’s Black History Month program at WNHS dives into cultural identity, exploring the different cultures that come together as one Black community. “Roots and Rhythms” follows a family at a reunion as their grandfather shares the story of a treasured heirloom. When it goes missing, the family’s search leads them to a cultural center — and into the heart of the performance.
“We wanted to do something that resembles home and how different cultures can feel like home for different people,” Cofie said.
The program features a variety of artistic performances including singing, acting and various dances. A quartet singing Lift Every Voice and Sing will kick off the show. Showtime is 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the high school auditorium. Ticket information is available here.
WESTERVILLE SOUTH
WSHS’ “Price of Dreams” examines identity through the eyes of a teenage boy and girl navigating their senior year. As they chase their dreams down different paths, they’re forced to balance future goals with their connection to one another.
“It’s about that internal conflict with what people see you as versus what you want to be,” said senior Rodav Kalengayi, who helped direct the acting performances.
The show features a variety of student performances, including scripted scenes, song, spoken word and various styles of dances. Showtime is 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the high school auditorium. Ticket information is available here.