Rarely do students in rival schools compete against one another outside of a sports venue. However, over the last decade, students from the West Sequoia and West Sierra Leagues (WSL) have competed for bragging rights in the arts arena.

The WSL Talent Show was born out of an interest from normally rival schools to share ideas in combined leadership class sessions throughout the school year in an effort to improve student spirt.

Out of these meetings each quarter, the schools created a combined talent show meant to present an opportunity for music, drama and art students to perform and compete for cash prizes.

Two campus students will compete with representatives from West Sierra League schools Firebaugh, Mendota and Tranquillity, as well as West Sequoia League schools Caruthers, Fowler, Parlier and FC.

In the 2012 competition, FC will be represented by sophomore Mark Bennett and freshman Ivette Ibarra for the finale in Ground Zero, Feb. 23.

The winners in both leagues will receive cash prizes — $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third place.

In the Sequoia competition in 2011 WSL Talent Show, FC junior Brady Lee, who presented a magic act, took first place.

Seventh period class will be shortened and eighth period classes will be canceled on Feb. 23 for the WSL Talent Show Finale; all campus students will attend the final competition from 1:30-3 p.m.

For more information, read the Feb. 17, 2011 article, Talent Show lauds league performers (VIDEO).

For more information on the WSL Talent Show or the campus leadership class, contact adviser Robert Foshee.