Music, dance and a charitable cause came together when students from Evergreen Park Community High School took the stage for the school’s annual talent show.
Tickets were $5, and all proceeds went to I AM ALS, a national nonprofit that supports families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and raises awareness about the disease.
The show was organized by the school’s National Honor Society, under the guidance of faculty sponsor Ben Nesler. Now in its 16th year, the event has become a favorite tradition for students and the local community.
“The annual NHS talent benefit concert has become a beloved event in this 16th year of holding the show,” Nesler said. “The student performers always do such a great job entertaining the very supportive audience. It’s arguably one of the best nights of the school year.”
This year, NHS students chose I AM ALS as the beneficiary from a list of charities nominated by members.
“We hoped everyone who could come out would support a worthy cause and help fight ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease,” Nesler said.
The show featured 11 acts, mostly musical performances, including vocalists, guitarists, and a piano performance by Alex Francisco. Several dance numbers were also part of the lineup, including a performance from the school’s newly formed Folkloric Dance Club.
Alumni joined in the fun as well. Three former Evergreen Park students from the 2000s and 2010s returned to the stage alongside longtime teacher and coach Pat Flannigan as “Coach Flannigan and the Alumni All-Star Band.”
“The talent this year highlighted student bands, folkloric dancing, plenty of singing, and multi-talented EPCHS student Adam Bosch showing off his perfect pitch,” Nesler said. “It was a night full of sound, energy, and creativity.”
The full lineup included Emari Crossley on R&B vocals; Riley Pippen on guitar and vocals; the Folkloric Dance Club; Adam Bosch demonstrating pitch recognition; Will and Aiden on guitar and vocals; pianist Alex Francisco; dancer Manuel Fernandez; vocal group Unaccompanied Minors; band Soup of the Day; dancer Alexa Guzman; and Coach Flannigan and the Alumni All-Star Band.
Organizers said the night was a perfect blend of student talent and community support, raising funds to help families impacted by ALS.
