Music teachers Kyla Cross and Laura Hintze teamed up as co-directors to build the program from the ground up. Hintze brought her local theater expertise to the stage while Cross managed the complex logistics behind the scenes. The production was truly a school-wide endeavor, involving nearly 70 students across various roles.
Art teacher Grace Comstock led two classes of fourth through eighth graders in designing and painting the sets, while a dedicated five-student stage crew managed walkie-talkies and set changes with professional precision. Even Principal Kriesch jumped into the build. He helped to construct the stage and hang microphones from the basketball hoops to ensure the debut was a success.
Reflecting on the premiere, Cross noted, "It was so much fun. I mean, the kids were just having a blast. So, it was well-received, and they were excited to be part of it."
As the school transitions into April, the production stands as a living testament to the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) Moral Focus™ virtues of Encouragement and Compassion. Throughout the month of March, the rehearsals were defined by a spirit of encouragement, as veteran student performers mentored their younger peers to help them overcome performance jitters. This foundation of support allowed fourth and fifth graders to flourish alongside middle schoolers, creating a unified cast where every student felt valued.
Cross was particularly moved by how the production brought different ages together, sharing, "That's one thing we were excited about, to give kids an opportunity to work with kids that were from different grades and just see people they don't normally see."
Watching this growth was a highlight for the directors, as Cross observed, "Most of them, it was their first play, first show, so it was a great experience."
The energy on show night was electric, culminating in a professional-grade experience that included custom costumes and a surprise musical finale during the curtain call. Despite the challenges of coordinating a cast of 40 students with busy schedules, the final performance was the smoothest run of the entire season, leaving the audience in awe of the students' growth and confidence.
Cross recalled the magic of the show, stating, "Our performance last night was probably the best we've ever done. They were really on it."
One of the most heartening examples of this growth involved a student who had struggled with a specific scene during rehearsals. The directors had repeatedly encouraged her to move to the front of the stage for a key line, but she often hesitated or stayed in the back during practice. On performance night, however, she set her shyness aside and stepped into the spotlight. Cross recalled the moment as a personal favorite.
"She came right out and yelled it... it was great. She got it... they all nailed it".
This "historic moment" has already ignited a new passion within the student body, with many who watched from the bleachers already asking how they can join the cast next year. Cross summarized the impact of the debut perfectly.
"I think they really proved themselves, and they're excited to do it again."
By fostering this new tradition, Paragon hasn't just put on a successful play; they have established a legacy of artistic excellence and community spirit.
About Paragon Charter Academy
Paragon Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Jackson, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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