Students from 17 schools in Richmond County will showcase their talents during the 9th annual Community Unity Celebration Talent show on Saturday.

The Community Unity Celebration began in 2001 with students from four schools participating. It has grown into one of the most anticipated events in Richmond County.

Because of the growth, for the first time this year, Richmond County DSS will host two separate shows with elementary students (grades K-5) performing from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and middle and high school students (grades 6-12) performing from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both shows will be held at the Cole Auditorium.

\The Talent Show is sponsored by the Richmond County Department of Social Services Youth Entry Services, with support from several other agencies, Juvenile Justice, the Methamphetamine Task Force. The department of Social Services also provides valuable information to the public on the day of the show. Adoption awareness information will be available for students.

Meg DeMay, Youth Entry Services Supervisor, has worked with the show since 2001, and always looks forward to seeing what students have to offer.

“We look forward to this event every year,” Meg DeMay, supervisor for Youth Entry Services said. “It’s great because we have so many talented young people in Richmond County.

Each school in Richmond County held an individual talent show or auditions and judges selected winners. The winning students received ribbons, and all perform at the Unity Celebration show on Saturday.

“Working with each of the schools has been such a pleasure.” Christy Ingram, Youth Entry Services Coordinator said. “Dr. Norris really embraced this show, and we had a great response from staff members and students at each school.”

Donna Hamilton, parent and teacher at West Rockingham Elementary School, says the show provides a positive event that children who participate look forward to every year. Her children have participated in the show for a number of years and continue to enjoy the experience.

“Social Services deserves so much credit for putting this event on.” Hamilton said. “This is one of the few times when we all stop and enjoy what our children have to offer. This is the only outlet that some students have, where they can truly shine.”