The National Honors Society (NHS) hosted its annual talent show on Monday, February 3, 2025. The Jackson community showcased their talent using the Google Forms sign-up sheet on the Northwest Community Schools’ social media. The show will be held in the Northwest High School (NWHS) cafetorium from 6 to 8 p.m. Talents include acting, art, dancing, singing, and improv.
Bake sales, 50-50 raffles, and optional donations are taken at the cafeteria’s door. Its purpose is to raise money for the Henry Ford Cancer Center to fund patients in need. As NWHS has held the talent show since 2012, NHS usually averages $700 annually, totaling over $7,700.
“We take the proceeds and present gift cards to the cancer center,” said NHS leader Randi Watts. “They are very appreciative to be able to help patients with things that insurance may not cover- such as gas, groceries, and even heat for their homes.”
Senior Kennedy Tapely is this year’s head advisor. She took inspiration from former Senior Alex Thrun from how he ran the talent show last school year.
“I vividly remember Alex Thrun doing the 2024 Talent Show,” said Tapely. “I remember thinking how I would like to run it the following year and that’s exactly what I did.”
The challenge she has faced is a lack of engagement and participation. Tapely has advertised the sign-up sheet on social media and has dedicated her time to spreading the word at the other Northwest Schools.
“Not having enough engagement makes it extremely difficult to run anything,” said Tapely.
Another challenge she has faced is managing her time. Being a teenager and running a talent show is not easy work. Balancing academics, a job, and involvement can be difficult.
“When I am busy, I am running around like a maniac,” said Tapely.
The overwhelming feeling of having many responsibilities can challenge a person, but luckily, Watts oversees members’ work and helps whenever possible.
The diversity within talent shows allows students to express themselves. According to Little Elly Iniranagar, participating in a talent show is proven to boost student’s confidence and allow them to have fun.
