Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Amy Bethea's students at Aucilla Christian Academy put on a great show on Thursday, March 29, as they presented this year's fourth grade musical, Son Seekers: Nation Vacation. Created by Carter and Barny Robertson and under the local direction of ACA Music Teacher Karisa Donaldson, the students channeled their knowledge of field trips, elementary school social dynamics and personal faith experiences to present a toe-tapping musical drama with a strong Christian message. Every student in the class had their turn in the spotlight, with about half the class having acting roles and the other half performing on the dance team and choir.
A bright yellow school bus dominated the stage, with students and their leaders riding along on a cross-country trek to none other than Monticello, Fla., where they are set to compete in the National Bible Quiz Finals. Along the way, they encounter the kinds of challenges you might expect on a long road trip. Familiar roadsigns, altered to offer spiritual guidance (like Yield to the Lord), keep the group on the right road along the way.
Tunes included “Seein' the Son,” “God's Amazing Son (Top 10 List),” “Got to Keep Rollin',” “Love Is Sharing,” “On Life's Highway,” “Do Unto,” “He Has Rescued Me,” “O Happy Day” and “Jesus, I Will Follow You.”
Kudos to the students: Abby Andrews, Alison Andrews, Anna Lee Bass, Tyler Bennett, Mary Kate Boone, Hannah Boucher-Fender, John Cullen Burnette, Maddox Cruce, Addyson Delgado, Ayla Flynt, Bentley French, Jake Hayes, Cannon Houp, Reign Knight, Ryder Lacy, Brantley Mock, Tristen Odom, Corbyn Paulk, Sloane Pearson, Daniel Russell, Corban Stancil, Charlotte Walker, Layne Walker, Turner Walker and Owen Woods. Their hard work really showed in smoothly changing scenes, great vocals and heartfelt messaging.
Donaldson commented, “The children never cease to amaze me at how talented they are. They worked so hard and it paid off with an amazing performance. They were excited to share the good news that Jesus washes our sins away.”
She also recognized Bethea for guiding her students to produce a great performance even as they juggled a rigorous fourth grade curriculum and other special events. In addition, Lavon and Judy Parham helped with set design; Kinsley, Kaleah and Kiley Donaldson assisted with props and lighting; and Mr. Greg donated materials for the set.
Bethea was understandably proud of how it all came together, commenting, “We’ve been working so very hard, and to see parents in tears, local pastors applauding us – truly joyful over our representation of Christ, the Resurrection, and the Great Commission for our pastors. That made all the stressful days absolutely worth it, 100 percent!”
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