OSWEGO, NY – Every year about this time the circus comes to town at the Frederick Leighton Elementary School.
Once against the FLS Home & School Association and Chris and Dale Bixler of Serendipity supported the appearance of the “Circus Kids’ Production.”
Sixth graders are in the spotlight for this annual event.
Ringmasters Doug Young and Larry Rundle spent the entire week with students practicing a variety of circus tricks.
Youngsters proved to be sizzling stilt walkers, jazz up jugglers, hilarious clown, dynamic devil sticksters, expert plate spinners, amazing acrobats and dazzled with diabolos.
FLS physical education teacher Deb Lavner said, “Larry and Doug provided an exciting week for Leighton students. The week began with a performance by the two teaching artists. Each class (K-6) received a workshop with them during the week. The target group was the sixth grade class, who had the opportunity to work every day with Larry and Doug. The week culminated with a choreographed performance by the sixth graders.”
This year’s juggling contingent included Crystal Brooks, Timothy Deaver, Olivia DeLorenzo, Brandy Ermini, Kyle Trokey and Britany Waldron.
The clowns who kept the students laughing were Jimmy Carpentier, Zack Eastman, Austin Medley, Tysne Ruggio and Nathan Schultzkie.
This year’s acrobat contingent included Brianna Abtey, Melia Apple, Mark Delong, Colin Glennen, Michelle Hudson, Kaleigh Laird, Keelan McGreevy, Autumn McHenry, Melissa Michael and Sarah Reynolds.
Globe standers included Raymond Casaletta and Celia Fitzgerald.
Tossing the diabolos high in the air were Derrick Cahill, Chandler Compson, Chris Crump, Lisa Kanbur, Sam Lafond, Wade McAllister, Alex North, Alex Orr, Chandler O’Shaughnessy and Jeffrey Vivlemore.
The stilt walkers were Mykayla Briggs, Brandon Cheeley, Desiree Myers, Martin Orta, Austin Ouderkirk, Katherine Pecora, Selena Rangel, Abby Stewart and Zachary Wetzel.
Spinning plates were Aaric Celeste, Anthony Doane, Gabriel Favata, Kyle Freberg, Liam Hill, William Hill, Darian James, Tim Mateer, Courtney McDermott, Eli Restuccio, James Roach, Jacob Smith, Joihn Syrell, Paige Thomas, Tyler Washer and Anthony Woolworth.
The devil sticks were handled by Brianna Batchelor, Dominick Donabella, Patrick Dowdle, Tyler Fantom, Sam Gilbert, Sara Johnson, Joe Keytack, Taylor Knopp and Sophie Rangel.
Announcing each act were Mariahlee James, Cody Rowe and David Wise.
Summarizing the event Lavner said, “The circus builds self-esteem, motivates students to try their best and persevere. There is something for everyone. The students learn a variety of new circus skills, but more importantly, they walk away with some sense of accomplishment. They feel great about what they have been able to achieve. The smiles at the end of the week tell it all.”
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