By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Hidden talents, the spoken word and art of all forms were showcased March 24 at Pelham High School’s 12^th Write Night.

The event is co-hosted by the literary magazine and the theatre department as a way to highlight the arts in Pelham High School, according to teacher Connie Nolen.

“One of my students last year said that literary magazine shines the spotlight on the arts, and it does,” she said. “When literary magazine shines a light on the arts, you can only do that a certain way in print.”

Write Night gives students a live opportunity to perform for their peers and parents, Nolen said, and attendees always seem to have a good time. Parents “go nuts” seeing their students on stage performing, she added.

The acts ranged from fiddle playing to poem reading to band performances and more during the night’s staged performances. This year, Write Night also featured a culinary bake off and a gallery-like exhibit, which allowed art students to showcase their works.

“They love it. They are very welcoming and they support each other,” Nolen said of the students. “Even if somebody gets up there and they are a little nervous at first, (the students) encourage them and it comes out well.”

While the students at Pelham High School created the event as a way to spotlight the arts, Nolen said Write Night also serves as a fundraiser and way to raise awareness for the literary magazine.

Nolen said her favorite part is seeing the transformations that take place among the students. She said many times the students begin the process not wanting to share their craft with anyone else, but then their confidence grows throughout the year.

Theatre director Jamie Stephenson is a big part of confidence on Write Night as well, Nolen said. Many students have never had a performance coach before, and Stephenson’s advice during sound checks often results in stellar performances, she said.

“My favorite part about tonight is watching kids find their confidence,” Nolen said. “Because discovering that you do something well changes your life.”