Excelsior Springs High School Celebrates Talent at Annual Fine Arts Night

Senior Em Rice shocked the audience with her electrifying speech about Electroconvulsive therapy. (photos courtesy of Tim Harlan, Harlan's ESHS Activity Shots on Facebook).

Excelsior Springs, MO – Excelsior Springs High School held its annual Fine Arts Night a showcase of student talent and creativity on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. The Performing Arts Center foyer was filled with colorful and vibrant art from the 2D and 3D art classes taught by Sherie Renne and Rebecca Ryan’s art classes. As the attendees made their way into the theatre and settled into the intimate stage seating, senior Em Rice kicked off the performances, delivering an insightful and articulate speech titled “A Spark of Hope” about common misconceptions surrounding the use of Electroconvulsive therapy.

Jerusha Oliphant delivered a powerful and nuanced vocal performance.

Following Rice, Jerusha Oliphant took the stage with a captivating vocal solo, performing renditions of “Tu Lo Sai” by Giuseppe Torelli and “Who’ll Buy My Lavender?” by Edward German. Maddox Stewart added flair to the evening with his storytelling rendition of “Pied Piper of Hamelin,” his ability to switch characters captivating the audience.

Audrey Ishmael captivated the audience with her emotional prose.

Wyatt Pontalion delivered a soulful euphonium solo, his interpretation of “Andante et Allegro” by J.E. Barat, leaving the crowd impressed. Audrey Ishmael delivered a thought-provoking poetry reading of “A Jew Remembers,” her emotional delivery resonating with the audience. Finally, Cristian Canales brought a joyful mood to the night with his humorous interpretation of “Lend Me a Tenor.”

Maddox Stewart's keen storytelling ability was on display.

Speech and Theater teacher Jeff Haney presented awards to students after the evening’s performances. Amongst those recognized were students who received varsity letters for their work in the annual theatre productions, Seussical Musical and The Lion In Winter. Students whose work on the stage and behind the scenes earned them honors included Em Rice, Cristian Canales, Lydia McLean, Katelin Mansell, Natalee Hardesty, Matthew Budge, Emily Wing, Shayla Sellers, Wesley Johnson, Cole Dickey, Emory Kiehl, Amelia Harris, Sohalia Davis, and Carter Borchert.

Cristian Canales had the audience in stitches with his comedic performance.

Other teams and events receiving recognition included the Speech/Congress/Debate teams, led by students Mya Williams, Nick Dunker, Hailey McDade, Brody Hurla, Jason Besherse, Alyssa Clark, Chloe O’Conner, and Cheryl Gore, who demonstrated their adherence to research and public speaking on various topics throughout the year.

This year’s Cappies team theater critics included Jason Besherse, Mackenzie Cole, Brody Hurla, Em Rice, Cristian Canales, Lydia McLean, and Audrey Ishmael.

The Conference Speech and Debate Team is comprised of students Jason Besherse, Mackenzie Cole, Brody Hurla, Em Rice, Joshua Goodman, Mitchell Blankenship, Kate Houck, Cristian Canales, Cole Dickey, Reese O’Dell, Maddox Stewart, Jena Redmon, Evie Selby, Lydia McLean, Alyssa Clark, Nick Dunker, Chloe O’Conner, and Hailey McDade.

As the curtains closed, the speech and debate district team, including Jason Besherse, Mackenzie Cole, Brody Hurla, Emily Jack, Em Rice, Audrey Ishmael, Kate Houck, Cristian Canales, Cole Dickey, Reese O’Dell, and Jena Redmon, were recognized for their participation.

Excelsior Springs High School’s successful Fine Arts Night showcased the talents and dedication of its students, leaving the audience thoroughly pleased.

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