Vinson Owen Students Take the Stage at Annual 'VO on Stage' Event

On Thursday April 12, students and parents of attended the third annual “VO on Stage” talent show. After introductions by Principal Smith, dedicated parent directors Paul Bohne and Vanitha Raghavan led the fifth grade student MC’s Annie Abate, Stella Psiakis, Mackayla Wiseman and Lilly Armstrong in starting the show. 

The night began with the gymnastic moves of secod graders Catherine Armstrong, Molly Ciampa and Madelyn Dengler. Their twists and turns set the upbeat tone for the evening. 

Kindergartener Christi McGaffigan showed off her dance moves and moxie while dancing and lip synching solo on the High School’s auditorium stage. Sparkling second graders Fiona O’Flynn, Kayla Harrison and Isabelle Rasku-Casas effortlessly swung their hula hoops while performing other gymnastic feats to the upbeat song “Party in the USA.” 

During the first act the crowd heard impressive piano performances by second grader Arthur Zhang, first grader Shrivas Raghavan, second grader Erin Langridge, second grader Callie Carter, second grader Aleksander Boskovic, fourth grader Caroline Ampe, and a duet by second graders Gaby Nagahama and Erin Langridge and a violin solo by third grader Sarah Campbell.

Judy Li showed off her impressive ballet moves when dancing to “All Over Again,” followed by third graders Lili Gudeqicz, Cameron Stecchi and Amy Scali who danced and sang “Calling All the Monsters.” 

After a brief intermission where students, parents and teachers mingled and praised the performances, the second act began with a bang by fourth grader Zack Mattis-Roesch who rocked out on his electric guitar. 

The crowd was next treated to the traditional dances moves of fifth grader Arya Mohanty, with bells at her feet she wowed the audience with her confidence and expressive dance. Keeping the show rolling was fourth grader Jeffrey Greer who showed off his scooter skills complete with an on-stage ramp to perform jumps. 

The second act included piano performances by fourth grader Daniel Zhang, fifth grader Erin Carter, fourth grader Aditya Raghavan, fifth grader Emily Cui and fifth grader Katya Maserejian. 

Brave and agile kindergartener Meghan Weisman danced out to a crowd pleasing “Dynamite,” with sisters Caitlin (third grade) and Mackayla (fifth grade) close by to keep a watchful eye and extend a reassuring hand.

Showing off their family ties were the Pruitt family violin duet of second grader Calvin Pruitt and fifth grader Emma Pruitt, who were accompanied by their dad, Ken Pruitt, on guitar. 

The night ended with an orchestral ensemble of third and fourth graders Adrianna Garber, Charlotte Bradley, MaryKate MacKay, Grace Rebentisch and Brianna Wang.

The audience and student performers all had a fabulous evening sharing their many talents with one another. Another successful year of performances made possible by a community of volunteers and gifted, artistic students.