Garfield Elementary families see student concert for first time in 15 years

It's been at least 15 years since the last time parents were able to attend a performance at Garfield Elementary School in Port Huron. That changed Wednesday evening.

The gym of Garfield Elementary School was filled with families eager to hear their children perform a variety of songs. At least 200 students between kindergarten and third grade were performing. Principal Julie Marie Alley said the school has always held an in-school Christmas sing-along and in-classroom plays, but those are not events families typically attend.

"I am blown away by the family support," Alley said. "We are packed to the brim because of the tremendous amount of support. They just want to see their kids perform."

Karlie Bolman was at the concert supporting her 9-year-old stepdaughter Adalyn Bolman. Adalyn, who is in third grade, was one of the spotlight singers for the song "Let There be Peace on Earth." She said it was scary, but she was happy to do it.

"She did so good," Karlie Bolman said. "We're proud of her."

Kyra Adams was also there to watch her 6-year-old daughter Noelle Parker. Adams said she was unaware that this was the first time in 15 years the school had a concert for families. She said it's always nice when the school has something for the kids to get excited for.

Noelle Parker, a kindergartener, said she had a lot of fun performing on stage. She said her favorite song was "Lava" because there were fun movements her class got to do.

"It was the best night," Noelle Parker said.

Music and art teacher Kim Stevenson said she was excited to have her students perform for their families. She said the students practiced for at least a half hour every week since January.

Stevenson said she loves any opportunity to showcase her students' talent.

"Parents are excited to watch their kids be rock stars," she said. "Garfield has some serious talent. Our principal was excited to have parents back in here."

Stevenson said it was amazing to see families come out and support the Garfield Gators.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Garfield Elementary holds student concert for first time in 15 years