Finger picking a familiar tune, eating sandwiches between nimble toes, miming and telling jokes are among the many things students may see during the annual West Sierra League talent show. Some students anticipate and prepare for this all year long in hopes to win the title and cash prize.

“I am looking forward to the talent show because it gives us a chance for the people at our school to show off their talents,” Michelle Smith, ’04, said. “It also give us a chance to see the talents of people our age at other schools.”

Not only does it give students a chance to see many talents but also to be an example and witness to others.

“The talent show is a good thing because it give us a chance to be a witness to other schools,” Ericlee Gilmore, student leadership teacher, said. “We are given the opportunity to be a witness to others though athletics but are now given another opportunity.”

Some are in it for the prize however other students are hoping to send a positive message to the schools.

“Randy Hill [’04] and I are going to perform the song ?Only Hope’ by Switchfoot,” Emily Goertzen, ’04, said. “I think we did pretty well at the try outs. We are not doing it for the prize but for the message we can send to the other schools.”

Others are in it for the cash prize and are focusing on winning. The cash prizes include, $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

“This biggest incentive to be in the talent show is the cash prize,” Nate Weis, ’07, said. “I am not trying out this year but if I were I would only do it because I wanted the money.”

The event promises to be exciting and entertaining for the audience, as well those in competition.

“Some of my friends and I are going to perform an acoustic song,” Jordan Griffin, ’04, said. “I think it will go pretty good because we have been practicing a lot. It will be something different than we are use to doing. It would be really cool if we could win first place like David did last year.”

Following the try-outs, Goertzen, Hill and Griffin, Chris Burford, ’04, and Rusty Tucker, ’04, were chosen to represent FC in the competition.

Last year’s FC contestant David Pohl ,’03, won first prize by performing a snare drum solo. For more information on the last years’ talent show, read the Feb 15. 2003 article “Football Star Wins Talent Show” by Lacy Hearnsberger in the online archive.