Watching students perform at school talent shows is always a joy, whether they’re singing, dancing, or displaying another skill. While every participant deserves recognition for their bravery and effort, sometimes a performance shines so brightly it surpasses expectations for their age.
In 2017, four fifth graders from New Braunfels Christian Academy in Texas delivered a standout act at their Elementary Talent Show. To keep their act under wraps until the big reveal, the boys began their performance cloaked in black fabric. When the cloth was removed, their surprise outfits—a playful combination of baby costumes and small prosthetic legs—were met with uproarious laughter from the audience.
The fun didn’t stop there. The boys entertained the crowd further with a creative and humorous dance routine set to popular songs. They kicked things off with an enthusiastic rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” and the crowd went wild for their performance of “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas, complete with kung fu moves in their amusing suits.
This memorable performance wasn’t the only standout moment from fifth graders. In 2014, eight students from Porter Elementary also captivated their audience with a synchronized swimming routine on a blue plastic sheet that mimicked a pool. Their inventive performance earned them loud cheers and applause.
Both performances, which have collectively garnered over 30 million views, highlight the incredible creativity and talent showcased at school talent shows. Captivating an audience, even for just a few minutes, is no small feat, and these young performers achieved it with flair.
I Allowed a Homeless Woman to Stay in My Garage—One Day I Walked in Unannounced and Was Shocked by What I Saw
I tapped the steering wheel, trying to shake the weight on my chest, when I spotted a disheveled woman digging through a trash can. I slowed down, drawn in by her grim determination.
She looked fragile yet fierce, fighting for survival. Without thinking, I pulled over, rolled down my window, and asked, “Do you need help?”
Her response was sharp but tired: “You offering?”
“I just saw you there,” I admitted, stepping out. “It didn’t seem right.”
“What’s not right is life,” she scoffed, crossing her arms. “You don’t strike me as someone who knows much about that.”
“Maybe not,” I replied, then asked if she had a place to stay.
“No,” she said, and I felt compelled to offer my garage as a temporary home. To my surprise, she accepted, albeit reluctantly.
Over the next few days, we shared meals and conversations. Lexi’s sharp wit broke through my loneliness, but I could sense her hidden pain.
One afternoon, I barged into the garage and froze. There, sprawled across the floor, were grotesque paintings of me—chains, blood, a casket. Nausea hit me.
That night, I confronted her. “What are those paintings?”
Her face went pale. “I didn’t mean for you to see them. I was just… angry.”
“So you painted me as a monster?” I demanded.
She nodded, shame in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
I struggled to forgive her. “I think it’s time for you to go.”
The next morning, I helped her pack and drove her to a shelter, giving her some money. Weeks passed, and I felt the loss of our connection.
Then, a package arrived—another painting. This one was serene, capturing a peace I hadn’t known. Inside was a note with Lexi’s name and number.
My heart raced as I called her. “I got your painting… it’s beautiful.”
“Thank you. I didn’t know if you’d like it,” she replied.
“You didn’t owe me anything,” I said, reflecting on my own unfairness.
“I’m sorry for what I painted,” she admitted. “You were just… there.”
“I forgave you the moment I saw that painting. Maybe we could start over.”
“I’d like that,” she said, a smile evident in her voice.
We made plans to meet again, and I felt a flicker of hope for what could be.
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