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Educator/Director Molly Rice And just like that my 14th fall semester is finished… what an amazing semester. Beginning Theatre Arts was bursting at the seams with 64 diverse learners! Fall Play Production, auditioned in June 2019, weighed in at 15 strong. I can’t believe next fall I’ll be writing that it is my 15th year at Saint Stephens High School! Our school calendar was shorter and our (Photo: Evan P.) days started earlier but we rolled with the punches to accomplish our lessons, projects, and performances. We made it in the nick of time just in time to usher in St. Nick. We spend a lot of time in the Tractor Shed getting to know each other and learning to appreciate the otherness of others. This year technology became abundant as everyone was given a student chromebook and could qualify for free Internet service at home. I learned how to create and use Pear Deck, Adobe Spark, Google Forms, EdPuzzle, WeVideo, to add to my classroom’s toolbox. We already know our way around Google Classroom, Google Documents, Pinterest (Which I wish was usable from school!), Flipgrid, PicMonkey, SmugMug, YouTube, Social Media sites, Video Editors and Converters, GarageBand and other audio editors, IMovie, etc. It has been 10 years since the Tractor Shed Theatre won the National eInstruction Video Contest and brought 30,000 into play. I love to continue learning how to use technology to intertwine into our coursework and how it benefits design and production. It’s important that students are 21st century learners. 21st Century skills are not just being savvy with technology but that students have amazing soft skills.Theatre Arts provides a daily opportunity to learn soft skills that any employer would want in an employee such as empathy, communication skills, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, team-work, leadership, commitment, self-confidence, the ability to work independently, technical skills, design and execution skills, and creativity, among a long list of others. Check out Appalachian State University’s 25 Life Skills learned in Theatre article. Spring semester 2020 starts tomorrow. But before we race to start again, let’s revel in reflection of a successful and meaningful Fall Semester 2019 where we participated in even more civic engagement work and used the creative arts to showcase talent, grit, commitment, and ensemble. Here’s to the 2019 Beginning Theatre Arts classes & Fall Play Production troupe! Strive! 1

Beginning Theatre Arts Classes B1 & B2 B1 & B2 both had over 30 students in each totalling 64 diverse and mixed aged learning communities. Some units of study included Getting to Know Myself (personality tests, Kokology, and Myers-Briggs); Getting to Know Others (learning the otherness of others concept, team-building, personal and social educational activities); Storytelling (final project tell a personal story from your life experiences);

Pantomime, Body Language (How to read body language and present strong interviewing skills); Voice & Diction; and Improvisation to name a few. Each class begins with a Bellringer with writing assignments and speaking assignments. The units of study start off with Round Robin, Watch the Professionals, Lessons and Activities, Performance and Reflections. Beginning Theatre Arts students learn the value of making mistakes, the importance of quality rehearsal time and time management, to let go of the fear of judgement and the concern for approval or disapproval, that your can become a better communicator and that their classmates are to be appreciated regardless of their differences. They learn that their differences are what make them uniquely themselves and how theatre, and life for that matter, would be boring if everyone were the same. Things do move slowly though as Beginning Theatre Arts is a popular class and class size is large for theatre activities which require solo and group performances. This semester with the early calendar, we found ourselves rushing to the 2

finish line. Several Beginning Theatre Arts students from this semester will move up the ranks into Spring Play Production or into Intermediate Theatre Arts.

Fall Play Production B4

The auditioned troupe of writers, actors, dancers, singers, rappers, designers, flippers, costumers, musicians, crafters, thinkers, doers, believers, and dreamers!

This year’s Fall Play Production had the most freshmen and newcomers than ever before. Freshmen Maggie, Emmalea, Sen, Shemaiah, and Davis with Senior Alisah and Sophomore Jayla joined our team. The stalwarts Isaiah and Taylor and the Leadership team (Advanced - honors) Addi, James, Seven, Natalie, Emily & Evan were excited to show our new folks around. Our semester started off with Myers-Briggs breakdowns and learning how each personality type works and learns.

Check out this video to see how Introverts and Extraverts work to solve the puzzle of the human knot: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CnHgZJrRoa6ZzRyT9 No better way to bond than to take a field trip! Thanks to Automated Machine Designs Inc. for hosting a lovely theatre event for Catawba & Caldwell County theatre students. The evening was even catered. After our snacks, we settled in to view Bright Star a t the Green Room. Grateful.

(Laura Sigmon's husband Kurt was in the show!) We were also delighted to cheer on our TST alumni 2019 graduate Coleson Berlin. Great night of theatre & fun!

Start With Hello & Banned Books Week We started an audition unit of study to showcase our talents as we had done well getting personal with one another. After we performed a monologue we were able to see our acting levels soon after we moved into design mode for our second Start With Hello Week. After chatting with our Media Specialist, Tammy Cordeiro, about this year’s Start With Hello week she mentioned it was also Banned Books Week and that if we put our heads together we could join forces and intertwine the two weeks for our student body. Check out our promotional video here announcing the meshing of the national weeks Start With Hello & Banned Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZQdi7gU72A

After the announcement, Mrs. Cordeiro joined us in several classes of Play Production to brainstorm ideas to design activities based on two banned books that focused on social isolation and finding your own voice to say everyone’s story matters. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher were chosen to create student body activities for participation at lunch time. The Media Center student assistants and the International Club amongst others created beautiful paper roses to go with The Hate U Give along with Mrs. Lovejoy’s Media Design Classes who designed and printed wonderful bookmarks that honored the concept of Everyone’s

Story Matters. The Tractor Shed Theatre took on 13 Reasons Why and put a creative spin on the question of what would happen if the main character received 13 cassette tapes of positive affirmations?

International Club make paper roses to go with The Hate U Give’s poem by Tu Pac Shukur’s poem The Rose That Grew From Concrete to give out at all four lunches. 7

Thousands of â€‹high schools across the nation participate in the Start With Hello Week, which encourages kindness to help build a connected community to attempt to reduce social isolation and bullying, and Banned Books Week - a movement to end censorship and to cheer that everyone has a story and all deserve to be heard.

Monday: Its Memeingful Monday! Turn your airdrop to public to see what’s up.13 Reasons Why is a banned book - What if Hannah Baker received 13 positive tapes? Could it have saved her life? This week, seek the school for hidden cassette tapes and bring them to our table outside the lunchroom to listen to a message for just you.

Tuesday: Has someone shared their kindness with you? Have you shared your kindness with others? Share your story in a thread on the Tractor Shed Theatre’s twitter, and hashtag #everystorymatters #startwithhello. Look around the school for Pride Club’s Positive Post-Its throughout the day and the week! Don’t forget to check smoke signals to keep up to date with this week's activities! Stop by and pick up a positive bookmark in the lunchroom all week!

Wednesday: This morning a warm welcome by the Key Club invited you into school with candy and a smile and the International club said “hello” in different languages with Chalk on the Walk. Keep sharing your kindness stories on the Tractor Shed Theatre Twitter @TST Coffeehouse. Mrs. Cordeiro has a special message for you today during AIP. Stop by and pick up a positive bookmark in the lunchroom all week! Find a cassette, bring it to lunch and have a listen.

Thursday: Did you get a chain of kindness text? The Beta Club says “Pass it on…” The Media Center raises awareness against censorship during Banned Books week with The Hate U Give. Learn more about Tupac Shakur’s poem and receive a handmade paper rose. Shout out to all the flowers growing up through concrete. Tomorrow is “wear your favorite shirt day”.

Friday: â€‹Do you know how it feels to be alone? Reach out and challenge yourself to be kind by sitting with someone new at lunch today or asking someone to join you. Revisit an old friend or make a new one at lunch today. Did you see a QR Code around the school? Thank the Marching Band for a musical pick-me-up - itâ€™s always good to hear new (or your favorite) songs!

Student Council shares famous kindness quotes throughout the week at AIP. Mrs. Lovejoy's Website Design and Honors Multimedia classes design bookmarks on the theme of "Every one's story matters" for SWH and Banned Books week. The ESL classes organized by Mrs. Hernandez and led by Mrs. Hancock and Mrs. Smith wrote 331 letters to students, teachers, staff, and strangers to start with hello. The Tractor Shed Theatre invites you at lunch to listen to one of the 13 tapes hidden around the school. National Art Honor Society created positive posters to enjoy throughout the week.

Click this link for Media (Radio, TV, Newspaper); Videos (SWH Vid and Intro); Photos (from all activities); and more explanation of project and activities. https://www.catawbaschools.net/Page/1092

Fentress on WKHY-TV Interviewed Senior Addi W., Tammy Cordeiro, and myself to promote the Start With Hello & Banned Books Week. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkZi0eE2IPI&feature=youtu.be

Read the article in the Hickory Daily Record “St. Stephens Students Tackle Social Isolation” St. Stephens High students tackle social isolation | Hdr Listen to First Talk with Hal Rowe WHKY Talk Radio with seniors Seven L. & Natalie W. on the Start With Hello Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-CrFukcoV

Winners Showcase How ‘Start with Hello’ Builds Community and Breaks Barriers December 20, 2019 -- Newtown, CT -- Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that young people who feel connected to their school are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse and violence. Designed specifically to help create a more inclusive and connected school community, the Start with Hello program reduces the social isolation that can lead to violence in schools. Breaking down barriers to build community is the subject of the Start with Hello Week Student Voices competition. Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a leading school violence prevention organization, launched the awards in tandem with the larger Start with Hello Week national campaign held each fall that raises awareness about social isolation and educates students and the community on how to prevent it through training, awareness, and a variety of fun activities. This year, more than 14,000 schools signed up to participate in Start With Hello Week, more than any other year since its inception. The compassion and creativity of today’s youth was evident in the hundreds of entries received from students across the nation in three categories; video, written and spoken. Students from around the country were asked to submit creative expressions inspired by the theme: How Start with Hello Builds Community and Breaks Barriers.

Congratulations to our 2019 Winners!

Sandy Hook Promise is pleased to announce the winners of awards to recognize efforts to build communities and break down barriers. The following are the winners of the Student Voices and Start With Hello Week school awards, selected from hundreds of submissions across the country: STUDENT VOICES CONTEST WINNERS

Spoken Category High School Winners ● Emily Hitaffer and The Tractor Shed Theatre Group, St. Stephen’s High School, Hickory North Carolina ● Kelsey Beasley, College Station High School, College Station, Texas ● Daniel Emmanuel, Academy for Information Technology, Scotch Plains, New Jersey Middle School Winners

● Rita Tonsa, Springton Lake Middle School, Media, Pennsylvania ● Circleville Middle School Students - Pine Bush Central School District, Circleville, New York ● Alexa Pusch, Summit Academy 7 – 8, Chandler, Arizona ● Honorable Mention: Zoya Khan, Jericho Middle School, Jericho, New York

Second year in a row, we were first place winners’ in the National Sandy Hook Promise’s Student Voices Contest where our entry was chosen by Nicole Hockley, Co-founder, Managing Director and Mother of Dylan who was killed on 12/14/12. Watch our video here: https://youtu.be/MDEJ8EI83ys

More online here #SandyHookPromise #StartWithHello #SpreadingKindness #TractorShedTheatre

Sixth Year bringing to life our Trick-or-Treating Extravaganza for the community of NW Hickory, NC. This year’s Fall Play Production got to work early and right after the busy creative work of Start With Hello Week. They kicked around a few themes but quickly agreed on Disney! Disney Villains were a lot of fun to cast and research. The storyline took some time to create but once shortlisted from the brainstorming list, the “Evil Idol” concept took front row. Chernabog, Disney’s most devil-like character from Fantasia, played by Evan P. hosted an evil idol audition in which fifteen evil villains auditioned for Chernabog with the question “Who is the Evilest of them all?” Each character had one minute to convince Chernabog to choose them. The audition ended with audience participation and the villain chosen and celebrated. Our show had to change tremendously due to severe wet

weather but we all agreed the show must go on (even if it was performed under two rain tents!) â€‹The show looped 11 times during the evening. Thousands of Hickory residents passed through in the bouts of rain. Check out more here: https://www.catawbaschools.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=11610

Watch the Interview with Fentress on WHKY-TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1T4o1VBGn4&feature=emb_logo Read the article here: https://www.hickoryrecord.com/hdr/tractor-shed-theatre-to-perform-its-sixth-annual-trick-or/article_356450 50-3181-576f-b415-3c42ff9b2d1e.html

Designing Evil Idol was tough and expensive! Check out our Pinterest Boards here where we build our characters and design all technical aspects. https://www.pinterest.com/sshstst/ Students learned how to create an aesthetic by designing all aspects of technical theatre set and set construction, set dressing, hand properties, film and sound editing (and converting files!) for projection and performance, lights and wattage, how to set up a sound system and wireless mics and a voice changer, how to purchase

and build costumes, makeup with prosthetics, masks, wig and hair, and public relations.

View our Tech. Work to see how it came together:

Costumes Sound/Music

Set

Props Film/Projection

Lights/FX

Choreography

Make-Up/Hair/Wig

Show’s Budgeting

A video was taken of our Nightmare Before Christmas (third year) and it has gone viral with over a half a million views, 16.2K shares and 2K comments and 7.8K reactions. Overnight our Monster Mash video hit 1k and now has 5.6K. We love doing our Halloween show for Hickory. This we had three performances. One preview for our Exceptional Children’s program, the Halloween night, and we were hired by Moms of Multiples for a show for their yearly conference. Evil Idol Halloween Night Performance Photos of Crewing Evil Idol Special Preview for our EC Department Halloween Photos/videos Night NC Moms of Multiples Show

Junior & Senior College Auditions Seniors James G. (Acting), Addi W. (Acting), & Junior Emily H. (Acting) attended North Carolina Theatre Conference’s College Discovery Day where in total these TST students received 43 callbacks based on their auditions and offered on the spot scholarship! Super proud of these three outstanding actors who want to further their education and have a career in the field.

You Matter Marathon We continued our Kindness trail as we joined the You Matter movement two years in a row and left these cards with others who needed to be reminded that they matter in this world. “We’re living in a world where people crave connection, yet feel more isolated than ever. Every one of us is here for a reason. We are all essential. We need, and are needed by, each other. Especially now.” See our You Matter video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnR8Wl7ZvAY The purpose of the You Matter Marathon is to create and enrich positive connections between people and within communities by sharing You Matter cards during November. When you sign up to share the You Matter magic, we’ll mail you 30 You Matter cards for free. You can also participate as an Ambassador for a group such as a school, a company, or a religious organization. Cards are mailed in mid-October. Find out more about the You Matter Marathon

TST Coffeehouse is in its 14th year! Led by Play Production, TST Coffeehouse happens twice a month on the evening of Thursday from 6pm - 8pm. The Coffeehouse provides a safe venue for performers of all sorts to gather and commune in the arts. Our favorite Coffeehouse this fall was when Jack, who is a student at Saint and an outstanding magician, headlined and wowed the audience. Other fun themes included Halloween, Dad Joke-off, and a lovely Christmas theme where we played dirty santa.

Upcoming: Spring Semester - back by popular demand - TST Live! Our tribute to Saturday Night Live sketch comedy.

Dewey’s Bakery Fundraiser We are in our fourth year of selling these amazing cookies! As we are not funded by the school, county, or state our theatre program relies on fundraising to provide students with the opportunity to be in productions. Shows are very expensive. We sell in December to arrive for the holidays. If you didn’t order cookies this time from us maybe you will consider next year! Shout out to Heather Miller who sold over $200 worth of cookies to her Bowling Team! So grateful for you Heather!

Dodgeball (Coaches Vs. Cancer) Each year we raise around $150 for the Coaches Vs. Cancer fundraiser by playing dodgeball. This year we had one co-ed team, one all girl team, and one boy team. We love to show our support and help raise awareness and funds for this important school-wide fundraiser.

St. Stephens High School ⭐ Tractor Shed Theatre ⭐Director Molly Rice The Otherness of Others. E ach year I start off my theatre courses with this concept. It is the first approach to learning with one another - honoring and appreciating how different we are as well as how similar we are. Including everyone is important in building a safe and kind school. Along with our efforts in helping to reduce social isolation through our Students Against Violence Everywhere Promise club, where we lead school-wide activities to “Start With Hello” autumn ushers in our annual civic engagement project where we raise awareness and funds for those in our own community who live on the margin and whose stories are vital to voice. For the past nine years we have created an original devised production for: Sticks & Stones ( 5th Graders St. Stephens Elementary School) 2 018-2019; Stones of Hope: Stories of Recovery (Exodus Homes) 2017-2018; Life Lines (Catawba Regional Hospice) 2016-2017; Help4Hope (Catawba Valley Behavioral Health Care) 2015-2016; Voices (Guardian Ad Litem of Catawba Valley) 2014-2015; Saying Grace:Stories from the Shelter (Grace House Shelter for the Homeless) 2013-2014; Ars Longa Vita Brevis (Pace@Home: all inclusive care for the elderly) 2012-2013; Reach Out (Women's Resource Center, Safe Harbor Rescue, Family Guidance Center, & Children's Advocacy & Protection Center) 2011-2012

Our auditioned class of Fall Play Production (actors, singers, musicians, dancers, photographers, visual artists, writers, and filmmakers) choose a charity in the community to torch-bear the life stories of the participants of the organization to make meaningful interpretive art. After our big Halloween show, we began the process of researching agencies. The troupe’s heart fell between two loves - Disabled American Vets and our very own Exceptional Children’s Program. Quickly, our EC department became our first choice once the students remembered the big smiles when we invited them to preview our Disney Villain Halloween show - Evil Idol. We approached April McElroy with our ideas. She gave a resounding “Yes!” For the month of Nov. and Dec. we visited the Cluster Class and Occupational Course of Study (OCS) students with shared conversation and creative work. We rotated visits between our classrooms where we played games and gathered life stories in which we would create art from for our show SHINE. The OCS class broke into three groups and created an original storyboard to film and edit. We collaborated with Lori Deal-Flynn who teaches the Cluster Class visual arts and asked for art work which matched our theme of memories. Lori soon had some amazing pieces which are intertwined in this magazine. On a personal note, this was my first experience with learning sign language. I had the honor of teaching Anna in my Beginning Theatre Arts class and recalled our time together once I discovered (recently) that my son is hearing impaired. My son may lose his hearing in his lifetime and may need to learn American Sign Language. My class and I wanted to give Anna a special song at the end of the show so we all learned how to sign You Say by Lauren Daigle. Learning to communicate in this beautiful way and being inspired by Audrey, Anna’s Interpreter, started my son’s and I’s new journey. This project is a testament to true inclusion. I’m so proud and blessed to be part of leading such talented and kind teenagers and meeting our amazing exceptional students who will continue to be a source of inspiration and who have stolen my very heart.

Exceptional Children’s department ⭐

“ I am deeply touched by the entire experience. My students enjoyed and looked forward to the opportunities to spend time with their fall production buddies. The performances created by those wonderful students highlighting the stories of my kiddos were absolutely wonderful. The entire experience was and still is a powerful testimony to the hearts of all of those involved. I am grateful the fall production students and Molly Rice chose my class to be a part of their civic engagement project. They truly are SHINING stars.” ~ April McElroy “I think the SHINE performance has been a wonderful experience for our EC Cluster Students. The students had a great time getting to know their theatre buddies and working with them. The theatre students did an awesome job spotlighting the memories of our students and putting on a perfect performance. Thank you to Molly Rice and April McElroy along with the faculty and students that made this all possible. Saint Stephens is truly an awesome and special place thanks to the compassion and affection that you have shown our students.” ~ Pamela Burns “The SHINE Production was one of the sweetest experiences I have had since becoming an EC Teacher. My students thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent collaborating and creating their music videos with the Theatre students. Some of my students were given an awesome opportunity to truly come out of their shells and show off their true personality. This experience is one that students and I will always reflect on. This civic engagement project made a huge impact on everyone involved and for that we are greatly appreciative that we were chosen by this outstanding group of students and Molly Rice.” ~ Tina Voudouris “I sat in the chairs and watched. I had my picture taken.” ~ Camille ↧

“Thank you for Shine. We loved it!!” ~ Leeanne Battiston (Camille’s mom) 36

⭐“It was amazing and fantastic too.” ~ Brandon ↧

⭐“I liked dancing.” ~ Athena ↧

â?â€‹â€œI liked James.â€? â€‹~Tyler â? â€‹ â€‹â€œI liked the signing & the song. I liked that Davis signed.â€? â€‹~Anna â€œâ€‹We enjoyed the program so much last night! I think itâ€™s great for the other kids to be able to appreciate our kids in a special way. They all seemed so sincere. It was very touching. They all did a great job.â€? â€‹~ Jamie Burns â€‹(Annaâ€™s mom) â€œMolly Rice and the tractor shed theater (TST) poured their heart and soul into the SHINE production, making our students feel celebrated and the parents feel seen. The performances put a positive spotlight on the unique individuality of each cluster student and their stories. Every theater student showcased immense creativity and a passion to show kindness and that the EC students are more than what they cannot do. A huge thank you to Mrs. Rice and her students for continually showing people that they are valued. I cannot say how glad I am that TST chose SHINE production for their civic engagement project.â€? â€‹~ Audrey Millerâ€‹ (Annaâ€™s Interpreter)

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â€œâ€‹What an awesome performance!! If you weren't here that night you missed it. A true collaboration between our Exceptional Children's Department and our Tractor Shed Theatre. Mrs. Rice, Dr. Deal-Flynn, Mrs. Voudouris, Mrs. McElroy and all of our TA staff were spot on with â€‹SHINEâ€‹. I knew that it was going to be an amazing performance when we had to bring in more chairs. What a testament to see two groups of students working together for a cause. Lessons were learned throughout this experience that cannot be taught from a textbook. The finale was amazing!! Our TST students learning to sign a song so that one of our hearing impaired students could be included exemplified how much students care about each other here at SSHS. Again, what a great job by all!!â€? â€‹~ Amy Rucker â€œIt was phenomenal and beyond words.â€? â€‹~ James Morrison â€œMy girl made me happy cry.â€? â€‹~ Marlee

“My favorite part was the song and singing.” ~ Destinee

“Getting attention, affection, and being with my buddy.” ~ Joshua “I liked the singing.” ~ Jasmen

Follow these links for the performance & project: SHINE: Spotlighting the Stories of SSHS EC Program Performance: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XtonrMESwLgkJYyL7 You Say by Lauren Daigle Sing/Sign from the cast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0WFUaKSVeA

SHINE Curtain Speeches: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1u--Ltld7K0lfr4BQfXTy3tKCXvIYv0sC SHINE Show Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JscKDRaFgfJaB5q97 Shine Documentary: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1drG1Za__K1VFOB33g_E8-1flEMo-Tc1R Shine Photo Slideshow: https://drive.google.com/open?id=17LzYyvUPOTZ008ToqT1j-jw9lBQkAgcA Jailhouse Rock Music Video (feat. Officer Lail): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mPfgppj26cBg9cTsKlGuHvkcUfR2n2Er Hotline Bling Music Video https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fXF7mHPGyVJDNFRk78Ar_6E_iNvICXe7 Rocking Around the Christmas Tree Music Video https://drive.google.com/open?id=1NIVxhwcYn1OfgvkeQECnlDmuSkd3lpgM Buddy Visits Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zu4BihuBY7RoPNSU8 Buddy Visits Videos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qSNGYT3qPfZ2rkHs5 Actors’ Reflections: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SrdL6b3iSarQit2Z9 Final Rehearsals with Interpretation: https://photos.app.goo.gl/o4X14EirppBJsUr6A Learning to Sign (ASL) the You Say song: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9xJbFKC8T8Ab2JqL6

SHINE Show Rehearsals: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8PoN9zhX5qZqhR7g9

SHINE All: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touchedThey must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller Addi: And with our hearts we felt. Guys: When we buddied up with… Each actor says something their buddy/group loved/liked. Seven: With our hearts we listened. Each actor says something their buddy/group loved/liked. James: And with our eyes we saw them

All: SHINE!

Art by Camille

Evan & Camille Evan: Waking up getting dressed and going to school feeling like it’s any other day looking at your phone and seeing that there is a new post on Facebook that hold the names of the people that you will be constantly think of in the coming weeks and you read the names... Kylin and Camille...as a rainbow river of emotions wash over you ranging from happiness to anxiety you smile. That was the day I had learned the names of those I would cherish in my heart forever. The day I walked into the room and saw Camille, I got this feeling I never felt before. It felt like I was on a roller coaster feeling happy and scared all at once, feeling every breathe leave my body, being more aware than I ever have been. I see camille as she reads her book and plays with her toys, I said, “Hello, Camille. My name’s Evan as I offer to shake her hand but she says hello but continued to read. I felt as if I were Jack and she was the bean stock showing me the many challenges I have to face but everyone granting me a reward of getting to talk to this beautiful soul, living life as if it was a dream with no worries. I asked her about her colorful toys and she looked me in the eyes and told me their names one by one and when she looked at me all of the anxiety I had left my body. It was as if she was inviting me to be a part of her world where nothing matters it’s all filled with rolly polly ollies and bubble guppies.... at that point it was as if I had reached the top of the bean stock! She got comfortable with me and looks me in the eyes and touches my arm and we talk about her beautiful drawings and do impressions of robots and rock stars....and I am sky high with all the gold. A true mermaid, her mother told me of the time she learned to surf the wave machine on a cruise they took...Camille built up the courage to learn to surf in front of everyone….she couldn’t see failure as an option...she tried to surf the wave with no worries not looking back even once to consider it a challenge everyone around her began to cheer as she defied the odds and she became known as the flow rider girl.

Evan & Kylin On the Facebook post that day I didn't read just one name I read two. The second was Kylin. I walked in the room on the second day feeling just as nervous as before. I see in the corner a guy sitting wearing a bright blue hoodie and a giant smile on his face that was so contagious I begin to smile back. I walked over and said hello to Camille first then greeted him and ask if he was Kylin and with the most calm friendly voice he replied, “Yah man, what's your name and I replied Evan… All the anxiety I had walking into the room that day vanished as if he had given me a life jacket in the sea of worries. We sat and talked and I asked him about himself and what

he likes to do and what he is passionate about. We talked about simple things like how his favorite car is a mustang or how he loves ACDC and he tells me about the times he went hiking with his brother or went to eat pizza with his family. As we talk, we began to make a connection like how one does with a best friend. As I left that day, when I went to say goodbye, he stood up and shook my hand and gave me a hug and tells me to come back tomorrow and I left the room almost crying because I knew that day I made a friend forever. The last day I saw Camille and Kylin, I walked into the room the most excited I had been in many years. It felt like I was about to win the Super Bowl or World Series whatever youâ€™re into. I walked in Camille Kylin and I all shook hands and we played games like Uno where i lost every time or pretended to be robots, rock stars, or just laughing like we had been told the funniest joke in the world. We had the greatest time laughing and smiling telling jokes and at that time knew i would never forget this day and I would forever cherish it in my heart for as long as I live

shineâ€‹.

because that's the day I learned the true meaning of â€‹

Art by Kylin

Art by Athena

Maggie & AthenaÂ Maggie:â€‹ My name is Athena Many people judge me from just looking at me But I have dreams and aspirations as you can see I love bowling and the focus it takes I love going on walks and feeling the wind in my hair I love going to school and learning all year

When I am older I want to be An astronaut or an artist I can be anything I strive to be I have so much I can accomplish But as I stand here And dance my heart out with no fear I want you to know I am just one of the many stars here I will continue to grow And I will continue to be exceptionally me

Art by Jasmen

Emily & Jasmen Emily: One. That’s the difference between me and someone with down syndrome. One Chromosome. One difference. One realization that we really aren’t so different. Two. Two people. Two minds connecting. Two people sitting, simply talking. Three. 48

Three years old, dancing jazz and ballet Three tv shows which are actually entertaining: PJ Masks, Power Rangers, and How to Train your Dragon. Four. Four groups. Four pairs playing a game of Uno. Five. Five turns to win. Five turns, playing her way. Six. Six meetings. Six opportunities to get to know each other. Seven. Lucky Number Seven. Lucky enough to meet her. Eight An infinity sign An infinite number of hugs. Nine Nine planets aligning Just so happened to align our paths together. Ten. Ten blessings. Ten reasons to shine

Art by Brandon

Addi & Brandon He was a sweet boy who loved watching movies and acting out all the characters. An imagination like no other and then a letter was stitched on his cape. - D. D - for, dare I say it, Disability. D - for how, dare you think it, - Different. D - for... dare we accept it! others might find his superpower out of the ordinary I say fly. Fly, Brandon! Fly to the moon and back on the wind of your great identity.

That boy, now a man, who loves to love and create a multiverse of characters who love. Is the most giving and most creative people I have ever met in my life. So today I've asked brandon to show off his superpowers to all of you. Addi : Of all the superheroes I think you could be Superman Brandon : I’m sort of scared of heights Addi : okay well what about … Spiderman? Brandon : I’m afraid of spider bites Addi : I suppose you could be Wolverine Brandon : But I’m afraid people would stare Addi: maybe consider being the Incredible Hulk Brandon: But radition’s bad for your hair Addi: Captain America, him perhaps Brandon: I love his mighty shield But I fear I’m not brave enough Addi : if you could be a superhero i wonder which one you’d be ? Brandon & Addi: Or maybe it’s time I tried to find the hero inside of me The letter than was placed upon him was not for disability or different. Brandon is Down - to - Earth. Individuality is what makes us special.I didn’t quite realize that until a couple weeks ago when Brandon held my hand in prayer and thanked God for making us all one-of-a-kind. So Brandon, thank you. Thank you for showing me it is okay to just be me. Thank you for inviting me into your amazing world. Thank you for wearing that letter proudly on your cape. And Brandon, don’t ever stop being yourself. You have become my very own superhero. 51

Art by Josh

Sen & Josh (Rap song) This is memories ... Let me tell you about the time Josh spent with me worth more than any type of poverty I broke a shell when he opened up to me, he took me on a journey through his memories, Overseas, in the ATL wings, through the trees

we favored 3 things - the hunting, hiking, and the coloring man This meant the world to me he took me to ANC where Biltmore was born and raised a big house not reppin poverty tourin 8,000 acres filled with land and space 250 rooms filled with the history the first room is where the guests stayed lavished down with the dress from Dawson Creek handmade movin to the next where 3 meals were made a day with the bell that called the slaves hopinâ€™ they can take a break as we moved into the foyer we seen an outbreak a beautiful botanical garden leavin biltmore born and raised and this is memories about the time he spent with me (3x) ... this is memories this is memories

Art by Anna

Davis & Anna A Day of Disney Casting: Mickey: Evan Elsa: Shemaiah Anna: Emily Minnie: Senquajia Brian: James

Narrators: Davis and Jayla Anna: Emmalea Alissa: Momma (Anna Goofy: Isaiah Brian's mom: Taylor

Scene: Princesses and Transformers start, stage right then walk and wave to imaginary people to center stage and Anna runs up to the princesses and says hi then hugs them (she is excited and jumpy the whole time) The transformers are behind the princesses but more stage left then the princesses who are center stage then a couple of seconds after anna brian will run and high five OP then has his picture made with him. Davis: Anna was at Disney world... it was hours before she would board her plane back home…[pause] Anna had been waiting years! To meet the frozen cast and was upset she had not met them yet suddenly, she spotted the princesses and ran over to meet and greet her heroines. Anna could not stop talking about this the whole plane ride home! This was a moment she would never forget. When Davis starts the scene, Anna (Emmalee) and her mother (Alisah) will walk across the stage. Anna will be in a bad mood after not seeing the princesses. On Cue of Davis’s “suddenly” mom swings Anna around and she spots the princesses on “Anna had been waiting years” she runs over to them. When she gets close to them, she slows down and hugs the princesses then gets her picture made with them. After the photo is taken, Anna grabs her mom’s hand and walks off stage left with her talking about how happy she is that she finally gets to meet the Frozen princesses. Jayla enters as the narrator of Brian’s scene at Disney. Both scenes flow together.

Art by Brian

Jayla & Brian Jayla: To start the day off, Brian and his family went to go ride rides ...(pause) and explore sites (pause).... he saw rides like Splash pad, to the Slinky Dog Dash…(pause).......and even ate a hotdog! The entire ensemble act out the sound effects of each action in unison even singing “Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggidy Dog.” Jayla: After a long day of riding rides and being with his family all day Brian was tired out. but to his surprise Brian's most favorite part happened…… Meeting the Mickey Gang!! *****(long

pause)*****, so he ran up to them gave them a hug and some high fives and then got to finally take a picture with them. Brian and his mom enters/walks in to scene after Anna exits *stage left*, talking to mom. Brianâ€™s Mom(Taylor) walks alongside Brian talking to him and looking at all the attractions when she turns to the side and sees/points out the mickey gang standing waving at other kids/people. Brian(James): runs up to Mickey and gives a HUGE high five *says hi* Mickey Gang (Evan,Sen,Isaiah): greets Brian high five them and offers a picture with him and his mother. The cast make sound effects to each action and exit singing.

Art by Destinee

Isaiah & Destinee Isaiah:â€‹ I met a lovely girl named Destinee and she inspired me to write this song. Verse: (F, Dm, Am, Em) All you beautiful children, All you want to do is shine let us give you a place with lots of free space So you can do more than dine I know your life is hard

Iâ€™ve heard them through and through Keep living your life you're more than A fractured shard Chorus : Em You are beautiful (3x) (F, Dm, G) So shine like the greatest star (f, Em, C) Bridge: (Am, C, Dm Look at your joy today The world will listen to you You wonâ€™t be alone today (Back to the chorus (ending) )

Art by Tyler

James & Tyler James: “Hello, how are you?” may not seem like much, but it can be a big memory for someone else, that someone being my best friend Tyler. One thing that Tyler loves are Jokes; knock-knock, who’s there, charles, charles who, charlie - being a favorite of his. I manage a laugh the first time I heard it and it feels like the biggest lie I have ever told, so I hold my breath cause I’m thinking any second now he’s going to call me on it. And he laughs in that infectious manner that keeps you going, going, going. And there is this serene sense of beauty and a unique sense of self that I haven’t seen in anyone else. Some people may find that ironic. But if

you knew him, you would know how wrong you were. Tyler wants to be the King of the Moon, if he wants the moon, then give him the galaxy for him to eject his charm to make the dull, alluring. But I want to say that Tyler is already his own king, he is not afraid to spring out, he shows no fear, and he won’t let anything stop his momentum forward. All I know of Tyler is that he loves to play Uno, watch Marvel movies, and play the piano. And that he loves to love. Tyler loves like a man who was left alone and it was up to him to figure out what love was. It’s all the rage to hate your neighbor; but the dictionary in his mind left that word behind. Hate is foreign to him and love is no stranger. We became two old silent fellas looking at the world asking it why it wasn’t shaped like us. They say silence is deafening, yet silence became solace that showcased the way our hearts shine. And sometimes the steel of words can cut through our sunny dispositions. Sometimes the rain covers the sun, my friend, but the rain is fun in it’s own ways too. Jokes make anything better, use them, in fact, I have one of my own. Knock-Knock, (audience says who’s there and responds to the joke?) who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange I glad I met you, and I hope you are too.

Art by Marlee

Alisah & Marlee Alisah: Let’s talk vocabulary. Layers. Merriam-Webster would define layers as a sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body. Now biology, am I boring you? The most important things contain layers; our skin, the earth's soil, and even the atmosphere...each layer having a distinct purpose...let me rephrase; The most beautiful things in life contain layers and marlee kale you are a rose with endless layers of bright red beauty, just ready to blossomed. Each petal original in it's own self. You are NOT just the flower actually but, the stem. Now, you may ask me what is the significance of the stem but to that I say it is the most important part. The 62

stem is the strongest protective portion of a rose. It protects itself first with different prickles and thorns but when you get deeper into the layers you will find it's the main source of life that contains a support system for the rest of the rose. The stem keeps the leaves in the light and provides a place for the flower to grow... Marlee Kale, you are the stem. Marlee Kale, you are the stem for which you let other people receive light from. Consistently teaching people lessons that you are stronger than you appear, and when it comes down to providing a place for people to grow. Like me. I am not a flower but I am the leafs you have provided with light and allowed me to grow. You have taught me a lesson that sometimes the flowers in life are not the most important part. You are the rose in its entirety.

Art by Kiana

Seven & Kiana Hello, my name is Seven and my buddy is Kiana. Kiana is new to Saint Stephens and while we didn ́ t ever communicate with words, we connected. Kiana is packed full of spunk and personality. She likes music, drawing, and watching Anna speak Sign Language. We connected through hugs, through smiles, through dodgeball, and through art. Kiana painted this piece of art behind me along with her other classmates. Kiana doesn't shine in language, but in love. The time I've spent with these kids has been magical and eye-opening.

Parents, there's a quote from a Japanese poet that I hope you relate to; “My barn having burned down, I can see the moon.” A special needs parent wrote about this quote, ¨[It] honors both the loss and the beauty of this special needs mystery and provides me with a measure of comfort. [This] speaks to the competing joys and sorrows of our situation. Destruction and hope in 10 short words. Parents, we see you and you are not alone in your love for your kids. We love them and we can see the moon too. I hope we have shown you how they can and will always Shine.

"You Say" The Cast and Director of SHINE sing & sign in ASL You Say by Lauren Daigle. Davis (Signs) & Addi (Sings): I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Emmalea (Signs): Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low? Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know Cast (Signs) & Alisah (Sings): You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak 65

And You say I am held when I am falling short And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours And I believe, (I) oh I believe (I) What You say of me (I) I believe Maggie (Signs) & Taylor (Sings): The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me. In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity, ooh All: You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak And You say I am held when I am falling short When I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours And I believe, (I) oh I believe (I) What You say of me (I) Oh, I believe Seven (Signs) & Maggie (Sings): Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at your feet You have every failure God, and You'll have every victory, ooh All: You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak You say I am held when I am falling short When I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours And I believe, (I) oh I believe (I) What You say of me (I) I believe Emmalea: Oh I believe, All: ah Seven and Emmalea:Yes I believe, All: ah Seven, Em, and Maggie: What You say of me Davis: Oh I believe

⭐Reflections of Fall Play Production Student Actors & Parents: “Before we had started rehearsing the show my cast and I knew that this meant something, and that people not only inside but outside of our school needed to know the importance of these beautiful souls and what point we were trying to get across. On performance night backstage I listened and watched people in the audience and our buddies, and seeing how their faces and eyes sparkled in the light when they saw themselves on screen and heard their stories being recreated in artform changed everything for me. I realized that night doing the "Shine" show what the true meaning of shine truly was, it was about expressing to the people that our buddies are important and that they have beautiful stories such as we do. That our buddies need to be appreciated more and taken into consideration more than what they are, and no matter the differences are they are just like us but also exceptionally themselves as well. But most importantly that they will always continue to be beautiful, bright beaming light in our lives.” ~ Jayla S. (10th Grade) “With this show I started out feeling very nervous. I love these kids and know quite a few, but still I was very nervous. Then I met Athena. Athena and I never got into deep conversations or really had full conversations, but we connected through art. We all did with this show. One thing me and Athena shared is a love for dance art. This project has blown my mind with how much it had impacted my life as well as others. This may be cliche but they all really did inside me to be the best version of me. It blew my mind how loving and creative each individual is. I am so thankful for this show, and the ability to get to know these kids.” ~ Maggie B. (9th Grade)

“This show has truly been a blessing to me. It gave me an opportunity to get closer with my cousin who is EC.In the beginning, I was struggling to write a piece, and then I did a little bit of research on down syndrome. I learned that the only difference between me and my buddy was an extra chromosome. From there my poem blossomed into something truly amazing. The group pieces I loved a lot. It gave me an opportunity to lead in helping others and just be an ensemble with my friends. I was also in the “playback theater” type piece and during the show one of the EC kids came up to me when we were taking a picture in the scene and it truly touched my heart in a way I never felt before. It has been an honor to bring awareness to this department and I’m so happy I could do it with the people I love around me. After the show my buddy’s mom came up to me and have me the biggest hug. She was so happy with my piece and even asked me to send her a copy of it. I am so happy with how the show turned out and I’m really looking forward to spring.” ~ Emily H. (11th Grade) “Shine touched the hearts of many and I feel more than honored to have been apart of it. Being interested in sign language beforehand, it was fun for me to learn a song that has such emotion and meaning. I felt blessed to have gotten the opportunity to work inside my own community to make a difference. I believe people took the show home with them in their hearts and each person, each soul in the audience, was shown that they mattered. That to me speaks volumes.” ~ Emmalea R. (9th Grade) “I just experienced the most heart-warming thing. My daughter's high school theater troupe sharing the stories of and their hearts for their school's very own Exceptional Children's department. There were songs, poems, dances, music videos and so much more performed with and FOR these kids. They finished the night off singing and SIGNING (Yes I mean sign language) Lauren Daigle's "You Say" and y'all there was not a dry eye in the place!! Emmalea, you never fail to amaze me, and in case you don't know....Mama is so proud of the beautiful young lady you are and are still becoming - inside and out. Thanks to Molly Rice for your leadership! I was so blown away I didn't even get pics!!” ~ Heather Hughes (Emmalea’s mom) 68

“I was nervous about everything but I am so proud of what we have created and the hearts we have touch. I couldn't have picked a better group of people to do this with. I am so grateful to have been a part of this amazing show and I never would have expected such a reaction from people. I am glad I got to help raise money for our EC department.” ~ Taylor D. (10th Grade)

“I have never felt so honored to work with any group of people. From the start, I knew this would be a beautiful challenge but I had no idea just how rewarding it would be. Brandon has gifted me with an endless friendship and through this, I was able to grow. Each and every single child in that classroom has blessed me in an unfathomable way. As a senior, I was more nervous about this show than I have been for any show I’ve been in but when I walked out onto the stage, I was overcome with the realization that no one was there to ridicule me but to raise me higher and we were all there for the same purpose. This was a show like no other, it will forever speak miles to me and for sure, my family. I pray that the children and their families will carry this around with them knowing that they will never be fighting a battle alone. I’m so proud of everyone involved and I wouldn't have wanted this show any other way.” ~ Addi W. (12th) 70