MONCKS CORNER, S.C.–The students of Berkeley Middle School welcomed a crowd of nearly 500 parents and community members last Friday for dinner and a variety show celebrating the cultural contributions of the Harlem Renaissance period of the early 1900’s.
The show was developed by the 8th grade social studies teachers; Laddie Jones and Julia Stanley, as an enrichment activity to reinforce material covered in class as part of the state social studies curriculum.
The event also provided an outlet for students to display their creative and artistic talents. Hostesses Chloe Mayes and Myecia Wigfall led the audience through a variety of performances including a dance routine, numerous literary and poetic readings, displays of student created artwork and even a lighthearted interpretation of a Harlem Globetrotters comedy skit.
The jazz band performed numerous numbers from the showcased era and the chorus provided their renditions of 
several period pieces.
The show was sponsored by numerous local businesses and individuals as well as by the fund raising efforts of students.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards future 8th grade events. The show received rave reviews from all in attendance. Highlights included a rousing dance performance of the big apple dance which was performed by Sade Boone, Morgen Brown, Jelani Davis, Raza Mitchell and Dkerra Middleton.
Also featured was a show stopping rendition of “Summertime” from the American opera Porgy and Bess during which the choruses Samuel Polk received a well-deserved standing ovation for his brilliant solo.
One spectator was heard to remark “I gave up tickets to the Dock Street Theater to attend this event and I definitely made the right choice! This was a wonderful show!”
The eighth grade social studies department hopes to make this an annual event.
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