As students gathered in Newtown Middle School's auditorium for one of two assemblies on Friday, January 20, seventh and eighth graders were preparing in a hallway to showcase their talents.

NMS seventh grade social studies teacher William Ryan, who ran the event, said this was the first time the middle school has hosted a talent show in at least ten years.

Seventh grader Acadia Petersen and eighth grader Tess Brantl wore their costumes for a program through the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance, where they both dance.

"We thought it would be fun," said Tess, about why she and Acadia signed up for the talent show.

Eighth grader Ethan Rivera, who later played piano, said he signed up "to show what I can do."

Moments after stretching and quickly rehearsing back stage, the talent show began. While introducing the show, NMS eighth grade language arts teacher Michael Jones told the audience it takes a lot of courage to go out on a stage like the students were about to do.

Students sang songs and played music for their talents. A jazz band group, called The Magicians, nearly filled the stage. Eighth grader Michael Sereday had the crowd gasping each time he jumped too close to the edge of the stage while on a pogo stick and solving a Rubik's Cube. When he was finished, Michael held up the completed Rubik's Cube and landed with an easy jump off of the pogo stick. Before he landed the final jump, the audience was standing and clapping with enthusiasm.

A number of NMS students acted as emcees for the event by announcing acts and sometimes offering comic entertainment. Teachers - Mr Ryan, Mr Jones, and seventh grade social studies teacher Tom DeBenedetto - also offered displays of talent for the event.

The show ended with all of the participants lining up on stage to be cheered by the crowd.