Students showcase their talents at KDSS Knight of the Arts

From drama, to live music, to the visual arts, the Kincardine District Secondary School Knight of the Arts was a feast for the senses.

The event was held at the school Thursday night, Jan 19, with a dress rehearsal for Grades 7 and 8 students from Huron Heights and Ecole Elgin Market public schools, in the afternoon.

Taking centre stage was the play, "The Song Remains the Same," written by Olivia DeJong, Avy Mowle and Ethan Primeau, who also acted in it. The story travelled from the 1960s to the 1980s, and present day, outlining how many of the same teenage difficulties and issues are repeated through time.

At the end of the play, a teen pulls a gun on his classmates, frustrated that nobody will listen to him. The action freezes, and Ethan as Mr. Dean, steps forward asking, "Do we listen?" Then he instructed all the audience members to take out their cell phones and send a good message, such as "I love you and thank you for everything you have done for me," to their parents.

"The song doesn't have to remain the same," he said. "We've been called the bubblewrap generation, but I believe we will grow up to be the generation of acceptance. Jack Layton said: love is better than hate, hope is better than fear, and optimism is better than despair. Be loving, be hopeful and be optimistic. That's how we can change the world."

Other individuals provided comic relief, including Nicole Durrant as Ellen DeGeneres.

The band, "Room 48," featured Ashtyn Shuttleworth on guitar, Cameron Cleminson on guitar, Serena Rutledge on keyboard and vocals, Chris Coady on keyboard, Colin Bushell on drums, Sam Thompson on guitar, and Pete Richards on guitar, providing terrific music during the scene changes in the play.

A variety of beautiful visual artwork was also on display in the library.