"Shaffer Idol" Takes the Stage Friday

This Friday night, elementary students will take center stage at for the fourth annual “Shaffer Idol” variety show.

Organized and originated by , newly appointed school board member and Shaffer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization president, the event raises money for field trips, activities and more for students at Shaffer throughout the year.

Shaffer Idol kicks off at 7 p.m. this Friday at the high school auditorium and costs $2 per person. If a family comes together, the maximum they will pay for the show is $10.

Reis said there are 58 performers this year and a total of 38 acts, all of whom will either present singing or dancing. Three high school students involved in the performing arts program will serve as the “celebrity panel.”

“Each act will get one comment from the celebrity panel and it will all be positive,” Reis said. “There’s nothing negative in the show. Every child will get a reward and we throw a pizza party for them about a month after.”

Reis hopes the experience prepares the students for different life experiences.

“The whole point in my mind is giving kids an opportunity to have a positive experience on stage,” she said. “No matter what they do in life as a career, they will have to at some point speak publicly. If they have a positive experience at a young age, that will encourage them and make them more comfortable.”

Reis’ favorite aspect of organizing the event—showtime.

“Seeing the kids in the wings before they go on and when they come off and those excited smiles on their faces,” she said. “The night of the show when they are giddy and pumped up and cant wait to perform—that is the best part of it.”

The students have been rehearsing and preparing for the show since October. Reis said Shaffer Idol has become a positive event to promote the district overall.

“Every time you turn around, there’s bad news, but this is a great night for the district,” she said. “It shows we have great stuff going on.”

She also said she is dedicated to the show because the children have grown to love being involved.

“As soon as it’s over, the kids ask, ‘Are we doing it next year?’” Reis said. “They count on it and look forward to it.”