For 3 years now the Communities In Schools stage at the Puyallup Fair has been showcasing the talents of children and youth in our local schools. This year was no different. Over the course of the Fair, the CIS stage put on 129 shows featuring over 1,200 student performers from 14 different school districts and 6 different CIS affiliates!
Students put on a variety of shows: Filipino dancers, gospel singers, a hula performance, youth theatre troupes, cheer and dance squads, and even fire dancing. The stage offers a unique opportunity for kids to perform in front of a wide and changing audience, and for the audience to learn about Communities In Schools. As Dave O’Keeffe, Director of CIS of Lakewood, points out, “performing builds competence, and competence leads to confidence. When children are confident in themselves, they perform better in school, and strive for greater achievement. The CIS stage will be testing ground for student talent for years to come.” An estimated 24,000 fair-goers enjoyed the performances and learned about Communities In Schools.
Not only did students get the chance to perform, but kids in the audience received the opportunity to pick out a book from the Book Bus, compliments of Reading Tree. An estimated 9,000 children’s books were handed out to children!
The CIS Stage was a huge success this year. None of it could have been possible without the amazing support of the Puyallup Fair, the wonderfully talented student performers, Reading Tree, and all of our affiliate staff who gave their time and support. Thank you to everyone involved, and we can’t wait to see what performances will be featured on the stage next year!