Many of the school’s most talented students performed last week at the annual Variety Show. At 7:00 p.m. last Friday, the auditorium filled up with friends and families of the performers. Singers, dancers, and musicians showed up to prove to the school just how talented they are. Performances ranged from amazing drum and electric guitar solos to phenomenal voices singing both well-known and original songs.

History teacher Robert Fenster has been in charge of the show since its debut at the high school in 1998.

“It was created as both a fundraiser for HHS Debate and as a showcase for talented students who otherwise might not have an opportunity to perform in existing school performances,” Fenster said. “Performing is a nerve-wracking thrill ride sure to produce an adrenaline rush each and every time.”

The show was hosted by  seniors Jaime Wouters and Derek Elwood, at the request of Fenster.

“Mr. Fenster knew that I always told elaborate stories before I performed my songs,” Wouters said. “I was really comfortable with the crowd so he asked Derek and I to host, which was exciting.”

Both Wouters and Elwood started performing at the show when they were sophomores. Elwood stated that it was his experience as a freshman performing in Unplugged, which is put on at the high school later in the year, that inspired him to join the Variety Show. The Variety Show was also where Wouters could be herself and do what she loves to do most: sing. At the show, Elwood performed original pieces that he had written himself. Along with playing the guitar and cracking jokes for the audience, he was able to amaze everyone with his rhythm and talent. Wouters performed a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love as well as a few originals of her own. The hosts were able to provide a humorous and welcoming environment for both the performers and the audience members. They excelled at building up everyone’s confidence and constantly encouraging them, which is important because everyone knows how nerve-racking it can be to stand in front of a large group of people and perform.

Other performances included songs by Nick Bruno, Shefali Kumar, Emma Seiwell and Alyssa Cseh, Gabrielle Benimadho, Matthew Bardon, and even Fenster and head maintenance worker Wayne Szabo. Everyone left the audience wanting more. Some performances even left the audience speechless. For some people, it was their first time performing in front of a large crowd. For others, their second or third time around came very naturally to them.

Upcoming shows at Hillsborough High School include both the Unplugged Show and the Coffee House.