Thoughts from a TCK: Alvin Fernald: Mayor for a Day

I'm clad completely in black, half-crouched behind the set and surrounded by sixteen Middle schoolers. Twelve of them are budding thespians currently pacing circles in the itty bitty living space allotted to them. It's clear some of them are fighting the urge to wipe the sweat from their brows, the stern words of the make-up artists still ringing in their ears: "Do not touch your foreheads!" Outside, beyond our black fortress, we can hear the crowd cramming in to their seats. Sold out, we were told. Some parents have flown from far away countries to come watch their children shine on stage.

HK tries to release some tension by doing jumping jacks and is immediately shushed by the four others when they see the set wobble. PR is quoting lines - not just hers. She had memorized everyone else's lines by about week two of practice. Her task is a difficult one tonight though, playing the love interest to the main character. KB is bubbling with nervous babble next to me, and I nod with a smile and a gentle pat on her police cap.

Suddenly the house lights begin to flicker. Sixteen students around me gasp and duck as if they've been struck. The long-awaited moment has come. The music cues, and DD takes his place next to door. With one final adjustment of the bow tie, he disappears and is replaced by Alvin Fernald who cautiously opens the door onto stage with a "Hello?" and will not return until the final bow has been taken.

And shine they do. Every single one of them. The crowd laughs at all the right moments and even at some unexpected ones. KB nails every single one of my favorite lines (she had them all), LW is cute as all get out, KJ manages to keep a stern face for all her mean lines, and PR's awkard kiss even finds its mark. The crowd hoots and hollers, and I can't help but cheer along with them. Even though I contributed little to this production beyond crowd control, my heart is absolutely bursting with pride!

I'm proud of these kids and their outstanding efforts to put on an amazing show. I'm proud of my colleagues and the way they were able to coax this talent out of ordinary kids. I'm proud of the community who sees the value in coming out tonight and supporting Middle Schoolers. I'm proud of the God who created them all with talents and allows them to put them on display to show off his creativity and unique personality placement. And this pride humbles me, too. What a responsibility to continue to love on these kids (and the 46 others who sat in the audience) and help them ALL discover their gifts. What a privilege.