By Anna Kyles
Salisbury High School
SALISBURY — It takes a great amount of courage to get in front of a crowd, even more so in high school, because peers can be very judgmental when you’re trying to strut your stuff.
Me Time Mentoring program of Salisbury High School recently presented the production Poetry & Poise in the auditorium of the school.
It was a fashion show that featured poets between each scene.
The purpose was to raise money for the senior scholarship given to graduating seniors of the Me Time program.
Nathan Andrew, a Coconut Grove Playhouse Theatre former apprentice, opened the show with a powerful message in his poem about the plight of an African-American man in society and his responsibility to the community. Joe Elliot, Livingstone College alumni, recited a piece focused on the importance of living in the moment with his poem, “Tomorrow.”
Young designer Kevin Vain of Charlotte, who began to design as a way to express his individuality, featured some of his latest designs, which also were also showcased at two of the largest fashion shows in Queen City in the last three months alone.
Chena Jackson, the director of the YMCA Black Achievers Program and creator of FAB-BU-LOUS jewelry design, adorned the ears and necklines of student models with her newest line of jewelry during the show’s black and white scene.
Salisbury High School students Tatyana Bailey, Zhane Goodlett, Kenyatta Swann and I also shared original poems while Hurley Elementary fourth-grader Max Morgan offered his theatrical talents to show as a prelude to one of the scenes.
It was clear that the effort all of the participants dedicated to the show made it truly enjoyable and absolutely unforgettable, but the true purpose of this production was to raise money for Me Time seniors who will all be graduating this June with above average academic status, as well as beyond average community services.
Me Time seniors have put in an extra effort after school to be a part of these thriving clubs here at Salisbury High.
After school programs give students positive things to do in the community, like giving back through clean-up projects or visiting the elderly, but Me Time has not only given back in traditional ways: we have done an all-day self-esteem workshop at an orphanage in Concord, raised money for the American Red Cross and the Rowan Family Crisis Council and given students opportunities to act in dramas, participate in health symposiums, perform step routines, travel to college readiness events, and be showcased in talent shows.
An upcoming event later this month presented by Me Time will be the Salisbury’s Got Talent Showcase on May 31 in the school’s auditorium.
The group is still accepting support for the senior scholarship.
Anna Kyles is a senior at Salisbury High School.