There are many kinds of talent, from singing, playing guitar or making people laugh, to ventriloquism or whipping up delicious homemade salsa. A full spectrum of very talented people performed at the Therapeutic Day Program’s (TDP) PBIS Awards and 2019 Talent Show in April.

 

Every month, TDP recognizes its brightest award winners and student successes, but this time there was much more. After lunch, staff member Sarah MacCallum took the stage and kicked things off with a solo guitar version of “Lean on Me.” Then the audience of 10th- and 11th- graders and TDP staff was treated to an entertainment extravaganza, starring their own gifted friends. 

Justin performed a dramatic vocal rendition of the Imagine Dragons song “Thunder.” Kris had peers laughing with his sarcastic chef puppet (“Tough crowd here today”) and staff members Sandra Molinari and Cheryl Schwertfeger showed a video of their expert hula hooping. Nick shared their own personal story, filled with edgy humor and sensitivity. “I’m just happy to be in a place where I can be myself,” they said.

 
“It’s not easy to get up in front of people and perform,” MacCallum told her audience. “I’m glad that so many of you felt the spirit and bravely got up here with me today to share your gifts. You should be really proud.”