Dakota High School’s auditorium was filled with excitement and joy this March as the school’s Best Buddies chapter and Creative Learning Program came together for their annual talent show. The event, held during Best Buddies Month, was part of a week-long celebration of inclusion, showcasing the incredible talents of Best Buddies participants and students from the Creative Learning Program.

The talent show featured an array of performances, from singing and dancing, to comedy and sign language, all delivered by students who radiated confidence and passion. It was a vibrant reminder of the power of inclusion, as each performer shined in their own unique way. The community turned out in full force to support the event, with family members, peers, and representatives from neighboring schools filling the auditorium with positive energy.

This talent show was the culmination of Dakota High School’s Inclusion Week, a special initiative designed to celebrate and promote the values of inclusion, acceptance, and friendship. The week featured various awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and empowering students to embrace differences. The energy in the room during the talent show was a direct reflection of the spirit of the week, with attendees clapping, cheering, and supporting every performer.

A huge shout-out goes to Dakota High School’s dedicated advisors, Kristin Houck and Amber Chesnik, along with their amazing student leaders. Their hard work and commitment were essential in making this event a huge success. Thanks to their efforts, the talent show not only showcased the incredible abilities of the students but also created lasting memories and strengthened the community.

Best Buddies in Michigan is proud to see schools like Dakota High School lead the way in fostering inclusion, and we look forward to continuing to empower students through events like this one.