Hope of America

Last night was the third time we have attended Hope of America, this time to see Brittany perform. I cannot express how much I love this program (though I feel that of the three this one was the weakest of them) I guess it is the military kid in me coming out.

Hope of America Student Showcase is part of the Provo Freedom Festival's programs leading up to 4th of July. This year the program had 72 schools involved all teaching American values, responsible citizenship, physical, mental and moral fitness and talent development through music and stories to 5th graders.

Because it has become such a successful event and is so popular this year for the first time ever, Hope of America was split into two nights to allow more Utah County elementary students to participate. A combined total of 8000 students gathered in Brigham Young University's Marriott Center to share with an audience of 20,000 what they've learned about becoming the "Hope of America."

The chorus sits in the shape of the American flag with students in red, white and blue t-shirts. The students use not only their voices, but choreography, American Sign Language, and flashlights to bring the flag to life. Brittany was a red shirt.

There is Brittany!

My favorite songs of the night included "This is America" because I love the audience participation in the movements and in the wave, and "We Can Be a Light" because it gives me the chills every time I see it. Though all of the songs are great the biggest cheer still came for the 92 year old dancing grandma who did the splits at the end of the song… seriously, the splits!