Palmer Middle celebrates students individuality

PALMER — Palmer Junior Middle School held another successful talent show, celebrating students' individuality and courage to show off their skills during the final days of the 2023-24 school year.

PJMS teacher and talent show coordinator Linda Jo Klapperich said they had over 30 different acts this year. She said it was wonderful seeing so much participation.

“The kids just love getting up and sharing their talents," Klapperich said. “All in all it went great.”

Klapperich said that she's been coordinating this event for over 15 years. She said that all students and staff attend the event to cheer on participants. She said it's an annual opportunity to help students tap into their courage, get in front of a crowd, and grow from the experience.

“It just really, really boosts their self esteem," Klapperich said. “The kids love it.”

Klapperich said the talent show helps bring the whole school together.

“It's just a time to bring unity to our school and frankly, have fun and it's something that creates excitement,” Klapperich said.

This year's talent show also featured a special guest performance from PJMS alumni Taylor Vandermark who sang and played guitar and brought her seeing eye dog Trooper.

Klapperich said that Vandermark sang in the school talent show all three years while attending PJMS. She said that Vandermark is currently attending a college for the blind in Tennessee to pursue a career in music therapy.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District vision specialist Jacinda Danner worked with Vandermark while she was at PJMS.

“I am so proud of Taylor and all of her accomplishments,” Danner said.

Danner and Vandermark visited numerous classrooms to share the importance of resilience and overcoming obstacles with students and teachers during Vandermark's visit.

“We all were very excited to have Taylor visit us at PJMS during her visit to Palmer. She is very talented, and the teachers and students were elated to have Taylor be a guest performer,” Klapperich said. “Her visit touched our hearts.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com