Students led by example Friday in a way that provided great entertainment and will help a local family.
It was a selfless act, a concert at SAGA Public Art Gallery, organized by members of the Salmon Arm Secondary leadership class.
Grade 12 student Mary Ross was discussing the plight of 16-year-old Richard Smith who suffers from a cancer-like disease, with her brother Raymond.
Raymond, who graduated from SAS last year, suggested his sister organize a concert to raise funds to help the family with medical costs. And, he offered up his considerable piano-playing ability to start the lineup.
Other incredibly talented students hopped on-board, including Skylar Plourde who acted as MC for the concert that was terrific in both content and enthusiasm.
Hannah Gomme added her beautiful voice to the show, accompanied by brother Reid on guitar. Shane Gorner shared one of his own songs, accompanied by Raymond, Nick DiCastri and Reid Gomme.
Megan Abel shared the stage for a terrific Hit the Road Jack, then mellowed with one of her own songs and a Fleetwood Mac cover.
From jazz, to swing, to boogie-woogie, folk and beyond, these kids offered a stand-out show, raising $450 for the Smiths in the process.
Mary says members of her leadership class and performers came on-board willingly to take part in the benefit concert – even though they have never met Smith.
“It’s just the fact he’s a young boy and we get to live normal lives, and he doesn’t, and if we could help him, in any way, that was our goal,” she said. “And we need to include Miss MacArthur (teacher). Without her I don’t think we would have been able to pull this off – and of course the musicians.”
Mary also offered thanks to Delores Mori, who as always, was at her post as “hostess” of the art gallery and highly supportive of the students and their concert.
