Make sure to come May 15th to see your peers perform! graphic by Lilah Tuchez
The TJ talent show is approaching fast!
As another successful year at Thomas Jefferson High School draws to a close, students have a lot on their minds. Seniors are close to checking out, final exams are approaching, and students and staff alike are both looking forward to their summer activities. However, one end of year event is the annual TJ Talent Show.
For many years, the schoolwide talent show has been a beloved tradition, giving students and staff members the opportunity to showcase what they can do and watch as their peers—and even teachers—shine on stage. Every year, the show contains many acts that students enjoy. In the past there have been singers, dancers, magicians, painters, and even a group of seniors who had a pie eating contest. The wide range of acts ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and often, there’s a new act that no one expected. Many students know some of their friends’ talents, but might not know everything their friends are capable of. As choir teacher Tambyr Reed explained, “I think there will be a lot of people who are surprised at the students they know in class and how talented they are. They probably have a good idea, but they might not actually know, really, what’s lurking in the realm of possibility.” Students will also get to see the talents of peers they may not know very well on display.
The other reason the TJ talent show is so special compared to other schools is very simple: TJ’s is not competitive. There’s no prize or award for being the best at anything; it’s simply a way for students to celebrate each other and the talents that make them all unique. Reed, who helps manage the talent show, said, “it’s always entertaining to be backstage and hear the student body going absolutely bonkers.” However, this isn’t limited to backstage. In past years, every act has blown everyone away. The roar of applause from the audience after every act is incredibly loud and shows just how much the TJ community supports one another. The loving and encouraging environment the show creates also encourages other students to participate in the future. Many audience members see the acts and hear the volume of the applause and are then inspired to showcase their own talents the next year.
After the excitement of the talent show is over, the fun won’t stop. There’s also the annual Backyard Bash, where students will be able to play games, enjoy food, and hang out with their friends. The fun-filled day is also one of the ways TJ sends off their seniors. It gives the seniors a fun last day in school and allows them to make some more memories together.
The TJ talent show is rapidly approaching and will be here before many people realize it.
All TJ students should attend because it creates a sense of fellowship among the TJ community. The talent show is a way for all students and staff in the building to show off what they can do, support one another on and off stage, and ultimately get to know each other better.
