Middle school's got talent and skills

No A's were given out, only "Oo's," and "Ah's," as Wareham Middle School students showed up and out as they showcased artistic skills and took to the stage for a joint art and talent show.

The event kicked off on Thursday, May 29 with hundreds of pieces from the students featured outside of the auditorium. Self-portraits, poetry and projects like a collaborative weaving project lined the walls and greeted guests. 

Art teacher Andrea Ericson said there was a big turn out for the artists.

"We had a lot of people who came for the art show and only the art show," she said.

Following the showcase were 14 acts put on by middle schoolers ranging from live musical performances to speedily solving several rubik’s cubes.

First place went to fifth grader Silas Houghton who sang and played guitar to A-ha’s 1985 hit “Take On Me”, second place went to seventh graders Sebastian Avilla and Josh Hamblim who danced and played the trumpet to the tune of “All Star” by Smashmouth and third place went to fifth grader Mason Ecker who solved three Rubik’s Cubes in one minute and 24 seconds..

Ericson said the crowd of over 250 community members showed their support with cheers and laughs.

"Silas who won had groupies," she said. "When he came out they cheered, ‘We love you Silas!’"

The talent show participants had to audition for slots to perform. Ericson said she loved hearing how excited the children were to potentially take to the stage leading up to the competition and was proud of the students who took to the stage.

"It's the best thing ever," she said. "I don't think I could have done it in middle school and it's really nice to get to see them outside of the classroom."