SLHS talent show a success, helps boost Grand River Greenway campaign

SPRING LAKE TOWNSHIP - The spotlights were on the stage, but the real story was behind the curtain. As 22 acts took their turn wowing an audience of almost 800 at the annual Spring Lake High School Talent Show, students and show advisors cheered each other on from the wings.

Marie Havenga

Mar 28, 2011

When drum soloist Kyle McClain exited stage left after a sweat-inducing percussion pounding, he was greeted with fist bumps, slaps and cheers.

Show advisor Sue Roder, giving direction through her headset, spun around to pat McClain on the back. She then readied the next act with words of encouragement.

It was a well-rehearsed scene throughout the two-hour show.

"These kids are so supportive of each other — and they're so talented," Roder said. "This is a really good opportunity to get the kids showcased that aren't always in other things. We have some incredible voices and music talent at Spring Lake. There's such a variety."

The multi-faceted show featured the color guard, dancers, Chinese yo-yo and original music.

All proceeds from the SLHS Student Council-sponsored event benefited the Grand River Greenway project. Roder said she expects the show will raise more than $2,000 for the non-motorized bike path, that will eventually connect all of the Spring Lake schools.

Read more of this story in Saturday's print edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.