Topeka High School’s Hoehner Auditorium was the site of the
Kids Koncert on Wednesday, April 23rd. The talent show was produced
and performed by Topeka Public Schools students, and was sponsored by KICKs (Kids
In Care of Kids), an organization started by Jaide Ramirez-Jennings that
supports organizations or causes that improve the lives of children in Topeka
and beyond. The show was held as a benefit event for the TPS Foundation to fund
scholarships, and raised $400.
The Kids Koncert was emceed by THS student Ahmad Winston and
students from all over the district performed, including Sydney Heinen (TWHS);
Scott Magnet First Graders led by Mark Camacho; Daughters of Zion led by TPS
School Board President Janel Johnson; Lydeah Kearse (THS); Latasha Evans
(HPHS); THS JROTC; Tremone Coleman (HPHS); Claire Sundbye and Sergio White
(TWHS); Zaebreauna Patton (Jardine MS); HPHS Scot Singers led by Partick
Kitendo; Ti’Ara Gibson (HPHS); and J’quory Guest (THS).
Topeka Public Schools students Gabriel Fluke, Avery
Nicholson, Reece Bartron and Michael Hurocy worked as technical specialists for
the Kids Koncert. Adult support included many parents as well as TPSF board
members Cheyenne Manspeaker and Erin Rodriguez; Olivia Penn (program director);
and Marie Carter, Scott Kickhaefer and Darlene Palmer.
TPSF Executive Director Pamela Johnson- Betts said the show
is the first Kids Koncert and hopes to make it an annual event. Next year it
will expand to include TPS staff talent.
Videos of the event are $5 and can be purchased by calling
Belinda at 295-3000.
