The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Murray Ridge students showcase their talents
Seventeen acts performed at the fifth annual talent show
Joy and excitement filled the Murray Ridge School’s gym, 9750 Murray Ridge Road in Elyria, as students with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to shine.
Murray Ridge, operated by the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities, hosted its fifth annual talent show March 29.
The talent show was organized by Intervention Specialist Cheryl Swierz.
“It (talent show) brings so much positive attention to the students,” Swierz said. “And the students are always so excited about the show.”
Each class at Murray Ridge comes up with a theme it would like to perform for the show, she said.
Seventeen acts took the stage with vocal performances including, “12 days of Murray Ridge,” “I Want to Dance With Somebody,” “Kill Em With Kindness,” “Ice, Ice Baby,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “I Like to Move It.”
Performances also included a drum solo, a comedy act and students dancing.
“I love to see the children succeed,” Swierz said.
Students who did not participate in the talent portion, showcased their art skills.
“This year, we did something different for kids who are not able to be in the talent show,” Swierz said. “We incorporated them by letting them lay out their artwork to be seen by parents walking in the door.”
Stacie Starr, senior supervisor at Murray Ridge, said the talent show make students feel special.
“These kids are doing everything kids are doing at other schools; there is no difference,” Starr said. “Their parents want them to belong just like everyone else.”
The youngsters are like hidden gems, she said.
“We are giving kids without a voice, a voice,” Starr said.