HMS Fest features “Algebros” and men in evening gowns

Inside a packed house, parents, teachers, administrators and friends of Homewood gathered to experience the first-ever HMS Fest at Homewood Middle School recently. The evening kicked off with a spaghetti dinner, and then students and teachers treated the standing-room-only crowd of more than 500 to a showcase of talents.

“Our expectations were cautiously optimistic,” said Tracy Thornton, HMS PTO president. “This was a new idea for us, and we just weren’t sure how the students would respond and what sort of engagement we would get from the teachers and parents. I can say our expectations were exceeded on every level.”

With a theme of “Keep Calm and Fest On,” the full event featured a mix of components from smoked meat sales to a cash prize drawing and culminated with the “Showcase Showdown” — a show of entertaining group acts performed by students and a handful of not-so-shy teachers. Acts ranged from dancing to cheerleading to a math rap by a group called the “Algebros.”

The Homewood Men Striving for Success group showed their sense of humor with a fashion show that featured five of their members donning evening gowns. The enthusiastic crowd laughed, applauded and showed support by voting for their favorite group with cash donations. All in all, it was an evening of family fun that raised funds to support teacher grants for the school.

 “Our goal with the Fest was to have a great night that everyone could be a part of while raising important funds for our school,” Thornton said.

Collectively, the Fest raised more than $20,000, which was ahead of projections.

“We just couldn’t be more thrilled,” Thornton said. “To see how everyone came together to support our school was overwhelming. And the money is critical. It will allow us to provide technology, such as classroom computer applications, supplemental reading materials and equipment for a variety of subjects, as well as provide a generous donation to our HMS media center that will directly impact our children.”

Based on the positive feedback and generous donations from HMS supporters, all indications are this inaugural event will become an annual event.

-Submitted by Jen Jackson