After a three-year lapse, West Homer Elementary and Fireweed Academy hosted a student talent show. About 25 students performed a variety of acts March 30 in the West Homer gym crowded with family and friends. The event also included a spaghetti feed and dessert auction as a fundraiser for the Parent Teacher Organization .

Acts organized by the school included the West Homer sixth grade band with director Marge Dunn and fifth and sixth grade Shakespeare Club with director Sarah Brewer.

“For many of these young Shakespeareans, it was their first time ever speaking the words of Shakespeare. We started the club learning vocabulary, as well as Shakespearean insults, because they are wonderfully specific and fun to yell. And the students needed to know what they were saying. They should be very proud of what they rehearsed and performed,” said Brewer.

The Shakespeare Club will also be touring to Homer Senior Center on Thursday, April 6.

“Being able to see just how far Shakespeare reaches within the community is special, it extends beyond school and into other realms and lives. It makes it even more meaningful and impactful,” Brewer said.

Musical talent in the show included violin, piano, harmonica and saxophone. There were several solo singers and dancers as well as students presenting group pieces. The show was a fundraiser to raise money for student yearbooks, PTO volunteer Mercedes Harness said. The PTO hopes to provide each West Homer Elementary student with a free yearbook, she said.

Harness said she and volunteer Gretchen McCullough provided time for the students to rehearse during their lunchtime, they also had one dress rehearsal the week of the show.

“It was inspiring to see students work together and support one another’s accomplishments,” Harness said.

She also noted the community crowd and support for the event.

“It was touching to see such a warm, enthusiastic turnout for our kids.”