Hats off to the administration, staff, students and PTA of North Rowan Middle School for their musical production of “Aladdin” presented last weekend at North Rowan High School. A special thank you also goes to NRHS in the use of the school and to the St. John’s Benevolent Foundation for its support.

As an educator, I had the pleasure of teaching and working at North Middle for 42 years. I can attest that I never saw a production of this magnitude during my tenure there.

From what I understand, students and staff began practicing and putting this together at the school year’s beginning. All of the work showed in the beautiful settings and costumes designed and created by students themselves.

The acting and musical selections were also outstanding.  In short, I was simply amazed that young middle-schoolers were responsible for such a great production, but not surprised. The North Rowan schools house an abundance of academic, athletic and artistic talent, and it was all on display in this event.

In closing, a special acknowledgement is owed to music director Michael Brooks and director Leigh Ann Alexander. Your dedication and hard work will always be remembered and honored by these students, their families and this community.

I challenge Rowan County to keep the arts alive in our schools as we work together to for our children.

— Patti Secreast, Spencer