It was 13 years ago when Stephanie Ramsey and Rachael Federico, two seventh-graders at Fremont Junior High School, were touched by a lesson taught in their history class by teacher Mr. Whitehead.
After learning that the children in Nepal could not attend school and receive an education, these two inspiring students started the Charity Concert for Nepal, and it has continued to this day. All money raised is sent to Nepal to fund the education of that country’s children.
This past February, the crowds at Fremont Junior High were treated to another spectacular event. The Skyline Color Guard opened the show. Madee Butcher, a seventh-grader, sang the National Anthem, accompanied by Peter Whitehead on the piano.
The evening proceeded with students displaying their talents. Any student who has attended Fremont in the past, as well as any current student, is invited to showcase individual talents in this annual event.
A total of 17 amazingly talented acts, included everything from singing and dancing, to comedy and instrumental tunes. Among the acts featured were Isaac Coronel, who performed a viola solo, and Kaitlyn Mischa, who sang I’m Yours, by Jason Mraz. She also played her trumpet with the Jazz Ensemble from Fremont. Ariel Armenta did a stand-up comedy routine. Behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly, were many students, including Seth Gause and Gloria Frost.
According to some of the participants of this year’s event, many had been inspired to display their talents, because of siblings who had been part of the show in past years. These students saw how this experience had touched their siblings’ lives, and wanted to help others while having a blast doing so. When asked who encouraged them to think about being involved in the charity concert, the unanimous response proved to be
Mr. Whitehead as the motivator.
Seth Gause and Amaiya Scott, both seventh-graders, Isaac Coronel, a senior in Westwood’s International Baccalaureate program, Gloria Frost, Abby Bickley, Kaitlyn Mischa and Ariel Armenta, all eighth-graders graders, agree Mr. Whitehead was the inspiration they needed to be involved in the Charity Concert. “He showed me that I could be beneficial to my community and other people,” said Ariel. “I am more confident in myself and surer of myself after singing a solo of Someone Like You by Adele,” said Abby.
In fact, Mr. Whitehead requires that his students in the Extended Learning Program (ELP) participate in three service projects of their choice throughout the year. Many of the participants are not in the ELP program, however. They participate for the love of making a difference in the lives of others.
Our future leaders are inspiring. “Service Club taught me how to have fun doing service and not to see it as an obligation,” Isaac said. “I love to do something that I enjoy in my own free time that helps other people.” As they all agreed, so far, the Charity Concert for Nepal has been the best experience of the year.
If you would like more information about the Charity Concert, and/or would be interested in being part of next year’s show, please contact Mr. Whitehead at Fremont Junior High School, located at 1001 N. Power Road. Call (480) 472-8300.