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W.O. Parmer students shine at luncheon theater

By Amy Lewis 

 

Local business leaders and community members gathered on April 30, for a special luncheon that paired a catered meal with an impressive performance of “The Lion King Jr.” by the young students of W.O. Parmer Elementary School’s Theatre Program.

The luncheon, held in collaboration with the Butler County Career Academy, highlighted the diverse talents of students across the school system. Lunch was prepared and served by students in the Butler County Career Academy’s hospitality program, a hands-on initiative that equips high schoolers with real-world skills. 

“The students enjoy doing these,” said Amber Browder, hospitality and tourism instructor. “For events like this, I have kids who volunteer to come, there’s some that I ask but most of the time they just volunteer.”

The event showcased not only the district’s artistic talent but also the benefits of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. According to the Butler County CTE website, the system offers students from all three high schools the opportunity to gain technical and leadership skills in fields ranging from healthcare to industrial maintenance. Many students participate in dual-enrollment programs through Reid State Technical College and earn credentials in areas such as Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant and Microsoft.

The idea to bring together CTE and the arts came from a desire to present a more complete picture of what Butler County Schools have to offer, according to W.O. Parmer Principal Jackie Thornton.

“Our drama club, they performed two performances of The Lion King for parents and everybody wanted more,” Thornton said. “And the superintendent was like, well, ‘Why are we not showing businesses? Why are we not showing everyone what we have?’ So he paired me with CTE, to help showcase what we have in the system.  From kindergarten to second grade with The Lion King, to the high school culinary class, Butler County really has a well-rounded school system.”

The play featured a rotating cast of kindergarten through second-grade students, with multiple students playing the same roles to ensure everyone had a chance to participate. This structure not only made lines easier to remember but also gave each child a moment in the spotlight.

Rachel Jackson, music teacher at W.O. Parmer led the production alongside other staff members. 

“The kids have worked so hard,” Jackson said. “We do about, I’d like to say about 10 hours (of rehearsal) a week. During school, outside of school, we’re practicing dancing, we’re practicing singing, we’re practicing.”

Older student volunteers also supported the event behind the scenes, managing lights and sound. 

“Students are even running the stage,” Jackson added. “Our adults are there to just man it, to keep everybody quiet and provide assistance if needed, but they’re working the lights, they’re working the sound, they’re running it all.”

The performance and luncheon served as a reminder of the strength and creativity within Butler County’s school system, and the value of giving students of all ages a platform to shine.