Blue Ridge Elementary students performed their annual Christmas program Tuesday morning and those in attendance walked away impressed.
Family and friends filled the Performing Arts Center to watch the performance by the students. The third grade class opened the program with "The Little Drummer Boy," as selected students played small, hand held drums and triangles. The first grade's performance included solos by Mahala Cervantes, Issac George and Emily Sisson. Later, during the fourth grade's performance of "Do You Hear What I Hear," six students displayed their skills by playing glockenspiels. Kindergarten students sang Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Second grade then took the stage with their opening song, "All I want for Chritsmas Is My Two Front Teeth". The final performance was set aside for fifth graders to show off their flute playing skills as they played, "Jolly Old St. Nick". Throughout the program, various students read portions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and to close the ceremony, Santa made a surprise visit, as he wished a "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."
Following the performances, School Principal Shannon Miller closed the program by thanking everyone for coming.
"We appreciate all that you do at home to guide and support your children....That is what makes them easy to teach and put together programs like this one,"
Miller said.
Upon leaving the Performing Arts Center, FYN observed multiple sheriff deputies in attempt to provide additional security following the Sandy Hook tragedy. Parents and guardians seemed relieved and one man was seen personally thanking them for being there.