![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
This year’s May Day performers are preparing for the annual show as they practice to showcase their talents during the two Friday performances.
Many auditioned to secure a spot in the show. Students that were selected include Brad Stone, senior, performing monologues; Nicole Campbell,senior, singing; Elise Brown, senior, and Joe Erickson, freshman, doing a speech and debate duo interpretation; Abby Bonnington, senior, dancing; Jennie Warmack, senior, singing; Keeley Anderson, James Topping, juniors, Annie Roethe, sophomore, and Kyle Fulton, freshman, performing a group pantomime; Talia Bootz, junior, singing; and Maddie Groh, junior, dancing.
Bootz is singing and playing guitar to Ed Sheeran’s “Lego House” on Friday in the evening May Day performance.
Bootz has been singing for as long as she could remember and really enjoys it.
“I’ve never sang in front of people; I always was a shower singer, or along with the radio in the car,” Bootz said. “I’ve been teaching myself how to play guitar since eighth grade.
What made Bootz want to audition wasn’t any ordinary story.
“I’ve never really done anything like it before. Since I stopped playing soccer this year, my mom really wanted me to put myself out there and try something new,” Bootz said. “I was really nervous though, so my mom gave me some extra motivation and said she’d fill up my gas tank if I at least auditioned.”
Bootz has taught herself everything she knows about voice and guitar, so it’s no surprise that she’s nervous and excited about this performance, considering that it’s her first time in front of a large audience.
“I’m really excited to perform. I’ve never done anything like this before,” Bootz said.
As for Groh, she will be dancing to Amazing Grace, choreographed by Michelle Holt.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three, and have loved it ever since,” Groh said.
As the years went on, Groh started competitive dance at the age of seven and continues to as a junior in high school.
As a member of the senior company at Dance Vision, Groh has a busy schedule with school and dance.
Groh is a veteran May Day performer, dancing her freshman and sophomore years. Like most performers, Groh has some special traditions she does before going onstage to perform or compete.
“I listen to music before going onstage and stretch by myself to get myself in the zone,” Groh said. “I thought it would be a good experience for me to take advantage of another performance opportunity.”
With a vast lineup of talented performers, this year’s May Day performance is sure to be better than ever. Showcasing many students with a passion for performing, May Day performances will be a night full of entertainment.
