Norwalk students host an impressive circus

NORWALK – You know a circus can take on many forms.

Growing up, I used to read a comic strip called Family Circus. The creator compared his cartoon family to a circus. I understood the metaphor because it reminded me a lot of my immediate family. My family was definitely crazy. But I love crazy. Growing up it was never boring and when we all worked together, things got done.

I’m well aware of the importance of the family unit working together, especially when you’re trying to put on any kind of production. I paid attention when my own Grandma Gracie shared her stories of joining the Sells/Floto circus, raising and training black bears back in the early 1900s.

She stressed to me how important working together was when putting on a show; one of the most crucial components. Without it? Chaos.

This past weekend, Norwalk High School students put on a circus on their school grounds and it was a circus my Grandmother Gracie would have loved, seeing her great-great granddaughter Tiana performing in and seeing all the students working together.

The night began with the circus leader announcing The Greatest Show on Earth, followed by upbeat music from the school band. They were superb. We were immediately drawn in.

Bright lights welcomed in a huge array of future models who gracefully walked the catwalk as if they had had years of experience; modeling wonderful, new fashions created by students from the sewing class. Some awesome work.

There was great anticipation as the audience looked up to see lions, tigers and bears appear. Of course, there were no real animals there that night, but there were huge papier-mâché animal heads worn and displayed down the catwalk by artists who had created them. Very dynamic.

There were different groups of musicians and singers exhibiting their talent. It was so entertaining. And I shall not forget the behind-the-scene students who cleared the stage for the performers. Great work. Great camaraderie. My view of a family circus. Probably the only thing missing? Cotton candy, but not necessary.

After the show we were invited into their beautiful library to see even more creative work from students in the Art department. There were future Picassos and Rembrandts throughout the library displaying such unbelievable drawings and paintings. Some incredible work.

My family was quite amazed that night. We couldn’t stop talking about it; about this circus that was held at Norwalk High School, for one night.

That night not only reminded me how important working together as a family is, but also as a nation. I learned a great lesson at school that night.

These Norwalk High students are very talented and very involved. They should be very proud. They are ready to meet the real world out there…the real family circus of life.