By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
On Wednesday, Stanhope Elmore High School students hosted their first concert since 2018. The performers were Jimmy Mowery and The Scratch Team. The Scratch Team consists of Jaxon Hubbard and Elijah Smith, (DJ Primetime 256). Over 400 students attended the concert. FCCLA, FBLA, DECA, the Event Planning class, and business department, participated in a nonprofit educational program called Reach and Teach, Running Wild. This program teaches students to plan, promote, and execute a real, live concert on their school campus.
The students started back in November on a FREE curriculum given by the Reach and Teach program which allowed the participants to gain knowledge in budgeting, logistics, and marketing. They also gain life skills such as communication, problem solving, and teamwork. The students were then able to plan, budget, and organize a real live concert for the school.
This year, a new added feature from the Reach and Teach program is the immersive career fair called ImaginEx. This is where creativity meets careers. Students were able to go to different stations before the concert and learn more about the music industry. They gained knowledge in podcasting, telecommunications, learning how to use cameras, spotlights, budgeting a concert, and made concert posters to keep for themselves. A Full Sail University advisor, Cassandra Brunson, was also onsite for students to speak to about furthering their education.
Reach and Teach founders and co-founders are April Clark and Cam Fleaner. This nonprofit educational program was established in 2017.
“I enjoyed seeing the students at Stanhope Elmore High School so excited and immersed in this experience,” said Program Coordinator for Reach and Teach Ashlyn Stutts.
She continued, “They executed a flawless event and learned so much by getting to be hands on in all areas— marketing, hospitality, event planning, and so much more. We love providing students the opportunity to see their hard work come to life!”
All proceeds from sponsorships, and ticket sales will be split between FCCLA, FBLA, and DECA organizations.
“Wednesday was a great day for our Stanhope Elmore students, faculty, and staff,” said Marissa Kane, organizer over DECA.
She continued, “Because of the Reach and Teach program, our students were able to plan and execute an awesome concert for our school! Thank you to our administrators, teachers and staff that helped before, during, and after the concert, our sponsors who donated to help cover expenses, and students who participated. We hope everyone had fun and will remember this experience! Ms. Constant, Ms. McCauley, and I are very grateful to be at a school that supports our Career Tech programs and our events that we plan!”
During the 75-minute concert, students enjoyed listening to many variations of music. Some were able to get on stage to dance and sing to the crowd.
Aaliyah Rhodes, SEHS student, won a $5,000 scholarship to Full Sail University during the concert. Karina Weldon, SEHS student, was picked out of a drawing during the concert, and she received a custom SEHS Mustang guitar.
For more information about the nonprofit educational Reach and Teach program, please visit their website at https://www.reachandteach.rocks. This program is a great fundraiser for any school who wishes to participate.
The next SEHS event coming up is on March 14 through the 16th. It is the 5th annual Dinner Theatre, Anything Goes by the Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players, FCCLA and FCS. Tickets are on sale for $25 on gofan.co and all proceeds go to arts education and both programs that are hosting.
