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Schools

Students Give Thanks to Police, Fire Workers and Military

Canyon Vista Elementary School students perform scenes from their upcoming musical for firefighters, police and military personnel.

Using a theme of honor and respect, students from the Canyon Vista Elementary School music program performed a preview of their musical Mulan Jr. for those who serve and protect the community.

For the kids who have spent hours rehearsing their lines, having firefighters, military and police in the audience was a way of saying thanks and showing gratitude for the services they provide.

For six years, director Holly Telford has been involved in the Community Connection program.

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“Our purpose behind the musicals is to teach leadership, courage and self-esteem, and many of these kids become leaders after they leave our school,” director Telford said.  “We tie in the community service so that they can take one rehearsal day and give back to their community, and we tie the theme to whatever musical we’re doing for the year.”

“I was so glad that Holly had such a great community project and us performing our play for people who really help out the community,” said Rachel Pollard, 11, who is playing Mushu.

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For parents of the students who are learning the ways of giving, having a mentor like Telford is more than they could ask for.

“I think this is an amazing and unbelievable program,” said Samantha Kalkanian, whose daughter is in the program. “Holly works so hard. Even when she didn’t have to be here, she would come in. It teaches the kids early on to how to have respect and give back to the community and be more responsible.”

Giving back and honoring the men and women who serve the community is a theme that parallels that of Mulan.

“The whole theme is just about honor and respect, and that’s what we need to do to those people in our community who dedicate their life and their hours to protect us," said Stephanie Cleye, who helped set up the event.

While teachers and parents stood proud, watching their children, students such as Brendan Reeves, 9, was humbled by the attendance of public servants.

“Firefighters saved someone I know, so I was very thrilled to have them see the play,” Brendan said.  “This is a wonderful production, and having all the policemen and firefighters here was such a huge honor.”

The special guests enjoyed the performance as well.

“I though it was great, and they definitely worked hard and will continue to work hard, and that definitely showed today,” said Sheriff Deputy Gene Inouie, who saw the play.

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