Bullitt East kicked off Thanksgiving with more than a celebration.
The school’s annual talent show, on Nov. 25, 2025, delivered a singer-heavy program that drew big reactions from students gearing up for a festive beginning to break.
Even though there was less variety than in previous years, many talented singers, musicians, and dancers performed and showed the American school spirit.
“This year is primarily music-based. There are eight singers, a pianist, and a dancer. So it’s a little bit more music-based, as opposed to in the past, we’ve had a speed painter,” Carrie Gary said.
As the coordinator of the auditions, Gary likes looking for a variety of talents to showcase just how interesting some students express themselves. The main obstacle in getting a large variety is the stage fright and anxiety in performing in front of the student body. This year, many talented singers auditioned, some even performing with instruments.
“So I’m excited, because it’s always nice to end with live music that way. If it goes a little short, they can play a second song if it goes, you know. So it’s nice to have that flexibility at the end. Plus, it’s just nice to have some authentic instruments,” Gary said.
Out of the 8 singers, 3 had live instruments, including Paul DeCamps played the piano. The choir also participated and covered a pop song that they had recently brought to the competition. The timing of the singers was good, and no moment was wasted counting down to Thanksgiving break.
“As much as I love hearing a pretty voice sing a really good song, I would prefer for that not to be all that’s there,” Holly Nichols said.
As the only dancer, Nichols received a lot more attention than the singers, but she took it in stride and displayed her ability with confidence. Even though she is a memorable act, she wishes there were more variety in the talents to really engage the audience.
“In Spain, we just go to school, we study and go home, there’s nothing different,” Raquel Reina said.
As an exchange student, this was Reina’s first time seeing a school talent show. She was very impressed by the school spirit and community displayed. Reina hopes to experience more of the exciting American culture in school.
