November 09, 2012

Carbondale Youth Showcase set for Nov. 14

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The 2012 Carbondale Youth Showcase at Southern Illinois University Carbondale next week will feature a wide variety of performances by more than 150 area children.

The showcase will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the Student Center Ballrooms. Singers, dancers, musicians and other talented youngsters in kindergarten through seventh grade from local schools, bands, clubs, organizations, ministries and other groups will participate. Registered Student Organizations from the University are involved in the program as members will introduce the talented children during the show.

Musicians from Carbondale Community High School will perform between the acts, and University officials, along with local school and city officials, will also be on hand. Children will be able to get autographs from members of the Saluki football team after the showcase.

There is no admission, but organizers ask those attending to bring assorted school supplies. The school supply drive will benefit several after-school programs in the Carbondale area, along with schools in Bangladesh and Kenya.

There will be a raffle for a new pair of Dr. Dre Beats Pro headphones valued at $399. Proceeds from the drawing will go to the Perry-Jackson Child Advocacy Center and the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.

The University's Speaking and Teaching registered student organization and other campus RSOs are sponsoring the program. The goal is to showcase the abilities of local children and bring together people from the University, community and area in an event that helps children locally and around the world. More than 600 people attended last year's event and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.

For more information, contact Byron Madison at 618/305-1892 or by email at bmad072@siu.edu, or Ryan Reed at 773/575-3917 or by email at ryreed@siu.edu.