Calvert Elementary School students felt like kings and queens of the savanna this winter when they performed a popular Disney musical for the first time.
 
More than three dozen students presented The Lion King to school and community audiences in Calvert’s cafeteria. They brought characters like Mufasa, Simba and Zazu to life during the 45-minute productions. Calvert’s entire student body cheered as they watched Simba’s journey from a scared cub to the rescuer of his lion kingdom.
 
Fifth graders Kendall and Mirabelle were among 32 students who appeared on stage. Both said building friendships with other students in grades three through five has been rewarding.
 
“I think the community of people is the best part of this,” Kendall said. “Everyone’s made a lot of new friends.”
 
Calvert Principal Lynnelle Giddings said The Lion King was a hot topic of conversation at the school’s lunch tables prior to the performances.
 
“They’ve all been very excited,” Giddings said.
 
Calvert Community Learning Centers School Community Coordinator Keeli Watters said The Lion King showcased Lincoln Public Schools’ goal of family and community engagement. Calvert Elementary School, Calvert CLC, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Pinewood Bowl Theater and Omaha Performing Arts teamed up for the play.
 
“With so many moving parts, we are incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration of all the organizations involved in making this production possible,” Watters said.
 
The entire Calvert community played a role in selecting The Lion King, which is part of the Omaha Performing Arts’ Disney Musicals in Schools program. Teachers, families and students participated in voting on five play options.
 
Watters said she was proud of the way students worked together at rehearsals.
 
“It has been really fun watching some of the students come out of their shells and embody their characters,” Watters said.
 
“I just want to show off all the hard work we’ve done,” Kendall said.
 
Visit our website https://clc.lps.org/ to learn more about Lincoln Community Learning Centers.
 
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