On Wednesday October 17, 2012, in auditorium full of family and friends,  Eleanor Roosevelt High School held its yearly Pops Variety showcase.

There was a sense of excitement in the atmosphere as Ms. Fowlin, ERHS’ choir teacher, introduced the hosts for that evening. Nyiah Adams and Kristina Lyles presented the Men’s Choir as the opening act. The performance of “Calendar Girl” had the audience cheering and set the tone for the following acts, which featured a range of talents showcased from Amina Iro’s poem entitled “A View From the Inside” to Nyiah Adams and Daisha Brown’s dance routine.

The annual talent show students enjoy today was started decades ago by a Ms. Barbara Baker. The former chorus teacher took the initiative to set up an outlet of expression for the talents of the student body. She named her concept “Pops Variety Show” to embody the liveliness of the participants. The show is great entertainment and proceeds go to the chorus department to cover various expenses throughout the school year.

Every performer prepared well and did their very best, some even earning standing ovations. For the most part, every performer had the same thoughts before going on stage.

Junior Leah Aclin said she was “really nervous, but also very excited. I was telling everyone half –jokingly that so long as I don’t faint on stage, I’ll consider this to be a victory.”

After her performance, she had the “biggest surprise of [her] life” when she saw her father and sister, who were both supposed to be out of town, cheering her on.

Amina Iro’s poem was well-liked by the audience, but prior to the show she said she was also nervous because she “didn’t know how the crowd would react.” Her words focused on identity and she said she wanted her message to “make people realize that nobody is perfect and that it’s wrong to judge.”

The audience was great and very receptive. Before the last act, Ms. Fowlin thanked everyone for coming out and showing support, and the gospel choir closed the show on a positive note singing “Let the Word Do the Work,” with their own choreography.