On Wednesday morning Kare 11 news was at St. Raphael to film a segment for their “What’s Cool in Your School”. They were here to learn about our school musical. During the interview I told the reporter what a wonderful program we have and the variety of ways it helps the students. The morning went well and the broadcast should be in a few weeks.

I went about the rest of the day, performed my part on Thursday but I did not get to see the whole show until it’s third performance. As I sat in the audience I watched with amazement the talents of the eleven through fourteen year old students that were on stage. I know that many others are behind the scenes who help make the show run smoothly. All of the involved students work hard to be ready for the performance and it shows. What also is evident are the talents that Mr. and Mrs. Bowen bring to our school. I am aware they have many helpers including parents, alumni parents and alumni students but it is with their efforts our school has a program that truly in newsworthy.

My husband came last year for the first time. I had told him how wonderful the previous year’s show was ,so he came out of obligation as the principal’s husband. He was very impressed with the quality and he had been looking forward to attending this years show. As we drove home Friday night he said of all the theater he has ever seen this one was the most impressive. He explained it this way. When you see professionals you expect a good performance and usually you get it. When you see amateurs who are in community theater you expect it to be good. When you go to see middle school students you only expect a show. However, at St. Raphael you experience a wonderful production with a variety of music, dancing and costumes of which the students are well prepared and are having fun. I could not agree more with my husband.

To the students who are involved, I hope you realize the talents you shared with the audience is appreciated. It is wonderful you are willing to share the talents God gave you. For all of the adults the talents you shared will live on in the students you have worked with and I thank you for this. Everyone involved in the St. Raphael Theater should be proud, the show was fabulous!

When the Kare 11 news article is aired I hope that this dedication to the theater and the sharing of talents is what will be demonstrated. We can proudly say we have something here that is “Cool in our School.”