RES GT Students wow crowd

They may be young, but Rector Elementary gifted and talented students proved Saturday night they are loaded with a wide range of talents in the school's annual GT Christmas, Talent, Art and Project Show, held at the RES multi-purpose room.

A huge audience gave lots of applause in appreciation for 12 outstanding talent presentations in a show emceed by Lawson Ford.

Sixth grader Lindsey Shelton opened the show with her own rocking rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock." Fifth graders Ty Haney, Abraham Christensen, Denver Book, Chito Martinez and Taylor Page formed a popular brass quintet, and second grader Madison Benson wowed the crowd singing "Little by Little."

A vocal solo, "Johnny and June," by third grader Brianna Glasco, was followed by a hula hoop routine by fifth grader Victorian Hill to the timeless "Hokey Pokey." Fifth grader Danny Hager performed acrobatics and flips, and sixth grader Chris Wadley presented a sax solo, "Jingle Bells."

Fourth grader Avery Bucy sang the jazzy "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," and fifth grader Chito Martinez sang "Follow Me." Fourth grader Case Watson presented a piano solo combining "Jingle Bells" and "Jolly Ol' St. Nicholas."

Second grader Sarah Robinson presented a dance solo to "Bigger Isn't Better," and second graders Colton Lindsey and Conly Lockhart brought the house down with their hilarious variety act to "Soul Man."

Sound technician was RES teacher Nate Henderson.

Greeters for the event were teacher Gail Burns and students Haven Cagle, Breanna Benson and Hadleigh Watson.

Unique homemade Christmas ornaments were shown by Madalyn Crittenden, Natalie Varner, David Bozarth, Zephyer Tinsley, Bailey Hoots and Sarah Willis.

Arts and crafts included a motorized airplane by Tabor Trail, drawings by Hunter Kemper, handcrafted jewelry by Dominique Coln, homemade Christmas potpourri by Sarah Isom, an assorted art display by Lawson Ford, paintings and drawings by Shelby Ward and a handcrafted doghouse by Nicholas Householder.

Educational and informational projects included a Kirklin family farm history and display by Kirk Beshears, baseball legends by Taylor Page, and recycling newspapers by Jada Bracken.

Baking projects included peanut butter bon bons by Amber Beck, chocolate covered pretzels by Natalie Varner, various Christmas candies by Madalyn Crittenden and cheeseball and crackers by Skyler Shockley.

"I am so thrilled by the huge turnout for the show," said elementary GT instructor Candy Williams. "The projects were wonderful. There were lots of pretty Christmas items, other handcrafted items, delicious food and educational projects. The talent show was so enjoyable. A good time was had by all.

"The best part was that we raised $233.99 to help buy shoes, clothes and coats for underprivileged Rector Elementary students," she continued. "I would like to say a special thank you to Principal Johnny Fowler, Coach Nate Henderson and to all of my students and their families for making this show so memorable and fantastic."