Valley High School Thespians Deliver Powerful Anti-Bullying Message With 'KES'

A news release from West Des Moines Community Schools:

Valley High School will present the play KES on Nov. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.

KES is the story of teenage Billy, who is bullied on all sides: at school, at home and in the community. His father disappeared when he was six and his mother leaves him to fend for himself. Judd, his bullying older brother, works in the local coal mine and Billy is expected to follow in his footsteps.

He then finds a kestrel chick, which is a type of falcon, that he raises and trains.

As Billy's relationship with the soaring bird grows, so, too, does his spirit. Billy discovers a passion that gives him an escape from the harsh reality of his life. The play is Lawrence Till’s adaptation of the 1968 novel A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines.

More than 100 Valley students will be a part of this important play with an important message.

The cost is $7 for seniors and students, and $8 for adults. To reserve tickets, call 633-4000.