By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
The fourth annual John Witherspoon Middle School Talent Show was held on Thursday, May 12, and it raised approximately $4,000 to benefit the Derek’s Dream foundation and the William Johnson Scholarship Fund.
Derek DiGregorio, a John Witherspoon student, was diagnosed with ataxia telangiectasia, a very rare genetic disease affecting three people out of every million. Ataxia telangiectasia is rare childhood disease that affects the brain and other parts of the body, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
”Thursday was a great night,” said Kelly Riely, a computer teacher at the school. “We hosted a bake sale, had a basket give-away and sold wrist bands for Derek.”
Mr. Johnson was the principal at John Witherspoon for more than 30 years, who Ms. Riely described as a humanitarian, leader and incredible person. A scholarship has been set up in his honor for a high school senior who attended John Witherspoon and took place in community service and performed well academically, said Ms. Riely.
Derek’s brother Zack, a sophomore ??, spoke and showed a movie on Derek in the beginning of the show.
The Do Something Club leaders, Neha Pithani and Aliza Shamshas, introduced and spoke on behalf of Mr. Johnson and the causes everyone was supporting that night, said Ms. Riely.
The evening opened and closed with student bands. The night was filled with performances of a gymnast, a ping pong player, a break dancer, pianists, flautists, dancers, singers and comedy skits, all hosted by 8th grade emcees Amara Leonard and Max van der Breggen, said Ms. Riely.
”Over 30 teachers volunteered their time along with several parents to make Thursday night a huge success,” said Ms. Riely. “Stage crew, lighting and sound was all run by students with the guidance of teachers volunteering their time for such a worthy celebration of students and great causes.”
Our show gets bigger each year and the Do Something Club message gets louder too, said Ms. Riely. The club’s mission is to help others and recognize the importance of staying involved with the community and giving back.
”The countless hours that are volunteered are worth every moment when you look at a packed audience of parents, teachers and students cheering on their peers and raising awareness for others,” said Ms. Riely.
”The night ended with the band Purple Frequency playing ‘All you need is Love’ by the Beatles … It just can’t get any better than that,” said Ms. Riely.

