I've Seen the Future and It Looks Bright!

Here in Rhode Island, in order to graduate from HS, every student must complete a senior project. A senior project is a yearlong research project on a topic of the student's choice, in which the student finds a mentor, performs 15+ hours of fieldwork, writes a research paper and presents all this in an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges! I am so glad I'm not a high school student these days. I get a sick stomach just thinking about it.

So far this year I have attended the culmination of two senior projects. The first was a one man show presented by my neighbor, Seth. Not only did he sing 12 Broadway Show tunes (quite well I might add), but he did this as a fund raiser for Save the Bay and The United Way's Fund to Prevent Homelessness in Rhode Island. But, that's not all. He performed this show in a recital room at the Philharmonic Music School, to the accompaniment of 5 live musicians (one adult and 4 exceptionally talented students). But wait... there's more! He also collected donated items from local businesses for a silent auction. And he served refreshments. Oh and one more thing, he did this all as a 501(c)3 corporation (One Bay, One Voice), which he formed for this purpose. Color me impressed.

Then last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a Fashion Show sponsored by the Barrington High School chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). The Fashion Show was organized and run by two HS students, Grace and Hannah. Hannah is also a graduating senior who worked on the Fashion Show as her senior project. This wasn't a simple show held in the HS cafeteria with kids wearing their own jeans and Ugg boots. Oh, no! This was held at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Providence and included a three course meal. The models (HS students and teachers) all wore designer clothes provided by local boutiques. They all strutted their stuff to the sounds of a professional DJ and the event was emceed! This event was also a fundraiser for The American Cancer Society and FBLA Scholarships. At $35 a plate and with an attendance of approximately 200 people, I'd say they were quite successful.

And then on Friday night I had yet another opportunity to be blown away by a group of talented teens at the East Greenwich HS talent show. Our family is good friends with two families who live all the way on the other side of the state - 35 minutes away! - in East Greenwich. Brian, Scott and Alex were all performing in the talent show and we decided to go to support these young men that we have know since kindergarten. Where did the time go? Anyway, yet again we left the auditorium with jaws hanging open and looks of disbelief on our faces. The level of talent displayed in these young people was incredible. I was blown away. So, better get yourselves a good pair of sunglasses, because the future it almost here and it is bright indeed!

Images from Google images