Caldwell's got talent

It may have been a dreary day outside, but the talent of local students shined brightly inside Saturday as hundreds of people celebrated a day of artistry at Kaleidoscope 2008 Festival of Arts at Hibriten High School.

There were singers, dancers, songwriters and magicians. There also were musicians, painters, sculptors, coloring experts and fashion designers. No matter the talent or the age of the artist, Saturday was about celebrating student accomplishments, Caldwell County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Stone said.

“It is a great event that dedicates an entire day to the arts,” Stone said. “It is a great way to showcase all of the talent that students in Caldwell County have to offer. It also is one of the rare occasions that students from all 26 of the schools have a chance to participate.”

He said the event, which is always growing, also helps a great cause. He said the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County does all it can to support the students of Caldwell County. From scholarships to assisting in emergency situations, Stone said that all of the money raised for the Foundation goes back to help see students succeed.

“Where else (than Kaleidoscope) can you find a full day of entertainment that also helps a great cause,” Stone said.

Pat Triplett, executive director of the Education Foundation Inc. of Caldwell County, said she has watched the foundation's largest fund-raiser grow over the years. Not only in the number of performers, but also the kind of talent and the level of talent.

“From kindergartners to juniors and seniors, the idea of Kaleidoscope is to give the students of Caldwell County Schools an opportunity to perform for their friends, families and peers,” Triplett said. “We have every kind of talent you can imagine in this festival, and no two acts are alike.”

She said the hands-on arts and crafts area in the gymnasium also grows every year. This year the foundation teamed up with Caldwell Reads to show children the fun of reading. There was a book fair sponsored by Whitnel Elementary, and children of all ages stayed busy decorating piggy banks, stuffed pigs and reading books about pigs.

“It is a terrific thing for the kids,” Triplett said. “We hope they wipe us out so we don't have to take anything back.”

Volunteers already are looking forward to making the event bigger and better next year.

“I really enjoy being involved with Kaleidoscope because it brings me up-to-date with what students are interested in,” Education Foundation board member Raleigh Rogers said. “I moved back to Lenoir about three years ago and don't have any children of my own. This is a great way for me to stay involved and I can't wait for next year.”

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