(ROCKWALL, TX – Feb. 5, 2016) The Starlight Singers of Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School delighted attendees with their performance of World War II-era tunes during the 17th annual USO Dessert, Dance and Show, honoring military veterans and active duty servicemen and women of the U.S. Armed Forces at Cain Middle School on Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6.
The event drew crowds of over 400 each night, and featured songs heard in USO clubs around the world during WWII. In addition to performing at the show, the Starlight Singers also served food and waited tables for guests.
Amy Parks-Heath Music Director Jan Stonestreet, with Rick Grimes acting as the DJ providing several popular tunes from renown artists of the 1940s, including “The Swing King” Benny Goodman, The Dorsey Brothers, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington and Artie Shaw, and interwoven with a narrative of WWII history provided by Amy Parks PE Instructor Janice Longino. All five branches of the military were represented by current and veteran service members in attendance at the show.
During the weeks leading up to the event, veterans and active military members visited the school to share their stories, in what Stonestreet said was a very educational experience for the students.
“The kids learn more from the veterans than I could ever teach them,” Stonestreet said. “The students come away from the show with a deeper appreciation of what veterans have done to ensure our freedom.”
Story and photos submitted by Dawn Whitney Hartung.
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