Harry S. Truman hosted its annual talent show this past Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday break.

This is an event many students look forward to, a day to unwind and cheer for fellow classmates without thoughts of what test they have to study for during their much needed break.

The show came to a great start with a duet of a very well known Chris Brown song, performed by Rosalind Harmon and Jamenah Pewu. The crowd reacted with much applause and continued their cheers throughout the afternoon for each performer. In fact, one performance had many rising to their feet. Senior, Josselyn Maldonado, sang the well-known song “Love on the Brain,” by singer-songwriter Rihanna.

“It was extremely exhilarating, yet nerve-racking all at the same time,” said Maldonado when asked about the experience. “Before I sang, the cheers helped to an extent, but they also made me get more pressured to do better which made me more anxious. But, once I heard the music start I got into it, and once I hit the last note, a rush of relief was lifted off my shoulders.” She added, “ A couple teachers came up to me saying how surprised they were a shy girl like me had a voice that strong, and another [teacher] said I had a pretty voice and should use it more often.”

Maldonado ended up placing second following a young contortionist. She was the only singer, out of many, of the show to place.

The show gives students many opportunities to either showcase their talents or cheer for fellow classmates. It allows many shy students to come out of their shells and show others what they can do. It also gives teachers the chance to notice that their students have lives outside the classroom that involve a variety of talents they never expected them to have.

The talent show has taken place every year with great success and many students look forward to this event each year.