Students and teachers performed original poetry, art and music in the annual National English Honor Society spring showcase in the high school cafeteria on March 16.

The honor society, advised by English teachers Ms. Ruiz and Mr. Hermosilla, hosts the coffeehouse-style event twice a year, typically in November and March. This specific Showcase included many acoustic performances and many others that each gave off either touching or up-lifting emotions.

“The Showcase gives people the opportunity to share their creative voice with others and put themselves out there,” said senior Amanda Garofalo, NEHS treasurer.  Garofalo also performed at the Showcase, reading “A Graduation Poem for Two” along with NEHS Secretary Karin Maher.

Performances held included playing and singing songs or reciting poetry for friends, teachers and family members. For instance, the show started off with a cover of Jeff Buckley’s version of the song “Hallelujah” performed by senior Mike Bachmann and senior Josh Caggiano, which drew the audience’s attention right from the start. Other stand-out performances were works of original songs and literature, like “Maiden in the Meadow” written and performed by freshman TJ Viola. As well as the prose “Watching People Taking a Test” by junior Michael Sessa.

Besides the emotional and touching performances, there were some that created uplifting humor in the audience. One of these works included Liam Fost’s performance, a cover of “Tribute” by Tenacious D accompanied by Mr. Hermosilla. Mr. Hermosilla and the rest of the 10th grade English faculty closed the show with a ukelele-driven cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”

Audience members, many of whom have attended Showcases in the past, said the environment of the show makes people want to keep coming back and looking forward to the next Showcase. With the music playing and art displayed around the room, the cafeteria turns from a noisy lunchroom to a comfortable and calming area.

“We have noticed that people tend to want to come back after going to the first Showcase,” senior Isabel Parzecki, President of NEHS.

People take this opportunity as a chance to show off their talents to others in the community. From attending the Showcase, people become inspired and learn about the hidden talents and capabilities of many West Essex students.

The event noticeably creates good memories and moments between different students and teachers that share a passion of literature with. The Spring Showcase brought the community together to express their talents and represent another side of themselves that may not be seen otherwise.