Just showing off: Students put on first talent show in years

By Talan Collins

Among the performances were singing, guitar playing, juggling, and several drum solos. Thought of and organized by seniors Satchel Baskette and Sam Mosier, the event highlighted students who don’t often get a chance to show off their talents. 

Describing the motivation behind putting on the show, Baskette explained that “a lot of people at the school have said they feel disconnected from the rest of the student body and that they can’t really express themselves. So we thought a talent show would be a good way to allow them to do that.”

Mosier, who hosted his first talent show in eighth grade at Jason Lee Middle School, added that he thought this year’s show “went better than expected. Everybody showed up, and they did their act. Overall, it went very well.”

Baskette and Mosier had originally planned to hold the talent show during the prom court assembly, but due to the assembly’s cancellation, the event was postponed. Scrambling to make the event happen, Baskette explained that they were able to “put [the show] together with the help of Dr. Quaid,” and that “she was really helpful in setting this up and reserving the black box.”

Baskette hopes that “people next year get something out of [the talent show]” and are able to “start the River tradition back up again,” with Mosier hoping the show helped “everybody to come together and bond.”

With many students stopping by the black box, it’s safe to say the event was a huge success and a memorable experience for all those involved.