On Wed., March 18, the National English Honor Society (NEHS) hosted its 2026 Spring Showcase. This evening, full of spectacular student performances, left the audience more impressed than ever. From musical theatre classics to original skits, the showcase allowed students to share their talents with their friends, family and faculty. Not only did the students perform, but NEHS advisors Christopher Hermosilla and Nicola Ruiz, along with English teacher Kristen Gengaro, closed out the night performing “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.
“I absolutely love watching the students perform, especially when I see students who I wouldn’t expect to get up onstage, showcase their talents,” Ruiz said. “I think it’s incredibly gratifying for students to be able to share their talents with others to help them build confidence with their writing or performing, and some students may not have the opportunity to demonstrate these talents without a night like the showcase.”
This year, the event partnered with a WEHS alum, Lisa Giuffre. Giuffre started her passion project, Letters from Lisa, to help uplift people struggling with mental health through letters. The project has produced over two thousand handwritten letters, each aimed at putting a smile on people’s faces. The proceeds of all drinks and snacks from the event went to this meaningful cause.
This supportive, tight-knit atmosphere allows students to be themselves and share their talents, regardless of their level of in-school involvement in the arts. Students reflect on the showcase as a very positive experience that brought many students together.
“I love seeing the talent that goes beyond Masquers at West Essex, and I love seeing everyone have fun,” junior Alexandra Hermans said. “I think that so many students in the school love to perform but aren’t given the opportunity because the only opportunities are in front of huge crowds of people. This is a chance for them to express their talents and show off their original works.”
This showcase has such deep meaning to both students and advisors, which shines through in each performance. Each student is given their spotlight, even if it is their first or final Showcase.
“Performing at my last showcase was surreal, but I’m glad that I got to end it with one of my favorite songs,” senior Emma Casper said. “I just love getting to see everyone’s original works and how creative everyone is. It really is such a special night.”
