HAMLET — Creative artwork and the sound of music filled Cole Auditorium for the fourth annual Richmond Senior High School Spring Showcase on May 23.
The event featured an art exhibit as well as an Art Battle and performances by the RSHS Concert Band, Beta Club Group Talent, The Raider Diamonds, Concert Choir, and Vocal Ensemble.
Four RSHS students — senior Preston Coker, junior Gabriela Perez, senior Adrian Silva, and sophomore Morgan Cauley — participating in the Art Battle in which each one chose a piece with only two hours to complete. They worked diligently from 5-7 p.m. while attendees watched.
Coker, who had a table set up displaying several of his pieces while he competed, said he enjoys painting animals and plans to attend UNC-Pembroke to pursue his art career.
Among the art displays were some of the artists. One was senior Felicite Perez, sister of Art Battle participant Gabriela Perez. Her table was filled with some of her artwork and she mentioned pen to be her favorite medium. She plans to attend Pfeiffer University to pursue her art career.
Another senior, Madison Walters, exhibited a colorful parrot painted with acrylic. She plans to attend UNC Pembroke to major in business management.
This was Andrea McIver’s third year teaching art at RSHS, but she has been teaching in the district for over eight years.
“I’m really proud of my kids for being confident in themselves and creating art in front of an audience” said McIver.
RSHS Concert Choir opened with chorus teacher Erin McNair leading in “The Star-Spangled Banner;” then the RSHS Concert Band took the stage as band instructor Keith Gilbert led “The Lion King.” Several more pieces were played with the final piece being “Rock With You.”
Taking the stage next was The Beta Club Group Talent with the first song they gracefully danced to being “Oh, My Soul.”
Intermission followed while participants in the Art Battle displayed their art work on stage and spoke about their pieces. The winner was determined by audience vote through text message.
Coker’s acrylic painting of two dogs came in first place. He stated he chose the picture because of the bond the dogs showed.
Introduced next to the stage as voices blending with harmony were the Raider Diamonds. The Concert Choir then followed, and while singing “For Good,” tears streamed from the eyes of a few students.
“This song describes us,” said McNair.
It was an emotional few minutes as the students presented McNair with a few gifts.
“We came into this not knowing we were going to get Mrs. McNair, but we are glad we got her,” said Brice Billingsley. “I have been changed for the better because I knew you.”
McNair turned one of the songs over to Billingsly to lead which got a standing ovation from the crowd. McNair invited other students to come on stage and join in the song “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” as she called this the family reunion.
The song was dedicated to Mr. Wall who had recently passed away unexpectedly. The Vocal Ensemble finalized the night with special needs students joining in; once again tears filled the eyes of some attendees.
Each senior was recognized on stage as they performed.
