Topeka High School’s Hoehner Auditorium was the site of the Kids Koncert on Wednesday, April 23rd. The talent show was produced and performed by Topeka Public Schools students, and was sponsored by KICKs (Kids In Care of Kids), an organization started by Jaide Ramirez-Jennings that supports organizations or causes that improve the lives of children in Topeka and beyond. The show was held as a benefit event for the TPS Foundation to fund scholarships, and raised $400.
The Kids Koncert was emceed by THS student Ahmad Winston and students from all over the district performed, including Sydney Heinen (TWHS); Scott Magnet First Graders led by Mark Camacho; Daughters of Zion led by TPS School Board President Janel Johnson; Lydeah Kearse (THS); Latasha Evans (HPHS); THS JROTC; Tremone Coleman (HPHS); Claire Sundbye and Sergio White (TWHS); Zaebreauna Patton (Jardine MS); HPHS Scot Singers led by Partick Kitendo; Ti’Ara Gibson (HPHS); and J’quory Guest (THS).
Topeka Public Schools students Gabriel Fluke, Avery Nicholson, Reece Bartron and Michael Hurocy worked as technical specialists for the Kids Koncert. Adult support included many parents as well as TPSF board members Cheyenne Manspeaker and Erin Rodriguez; Olivia Penn (program director); and Marie Carter, Scott Kickhaefer and Darlene Palmer.
TPSF Executive Director Pamela Johnson- Betts said the show is the first Kids Koncert and hopes to make it an annual event. Next year it will expand to include TPS staff talent.
Videos of the event are $5 and can be purchased by calling Belinda at 295-3000.