On Thursday evening, I joined hundreds of others in the Bowling Green Performing Arts Center to watch the
high school’s production of Mary Poppins. What a memorable evening! I imagine that every audience member
was impressed, and humbled, by the talent on stage. Abby Paskvan (Mary Poppins) and Andrew Crowe (Bert)
could hold their own against Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke any day. They were supported by an
outstanding group of actors, singers, dancers, and musicians. It was easy to forget that these were high
school students and not professionals.
While these hard-working students deserve a great deal of credit, we should also appreciate the talented
individuals who don’t appear on stage. While BGHS teachers like Jo Beth Gonzalez (Director) and Adam
Landry (Musical Director) may not have been in the spotlight, they were equally important in making this
production possible. They and the other teachers and administrators in Bowling Green City Schools
deserve their own standing ovation. This incredibly successful show was a credit to all of the students
who spent countless hours rehearsing and preparing.
However, the show was also the result of a school district that values and supports the arts. Each of the
seniors highlighted in the program listed multiple musical and theatrical experiences in their bios,
suggesting that this production was the culminating experience in a long line of opportunities.
I’m certain that the thunderous applause these students heard at the end will be an important part of
their high school memories. I know that my family will remember this production for a very long time. I
just hope that Bowling Green voters will remember this, and all the other ways BGCS serves the
community, the next time a school levy appears on the ballot. The choir, the orchestra, the band, the
drama classes – all of these have contributed to Veteran’s Day recognitions, one-act plays, concerts,
holiday parades, and numerous other events. Without community support, however, all of these things
could disappear. The $12 tickets for Mary Poppins might have helped to cover the cost of the flying
apparatus, costumes, and props. However, it is the community support of the talented people, both off
and on the stage, that makes these experiences possible for BGCS students, and for the rest of us as
well.
Dawn Shinew
Bowling Green