The Davenport Community School District board heard a recognition of the district’s first all-district musical, which brought together students from Davenport North, Central and West and was supported by district funding and volunteers.

Arts specialist Rudy Newkirk and directors from the three high schools described the project as a collaborative effort that included about 100 students and multiple teachers and boosters. Thea Enfeld, artistic director at Central High School, told the board, “We are here today to thank the board for the financial support for this all district musical,” and said the production will perform at the Iowa State Thespian Festival on Nov. 14 at the University of Northern Iowa.

Why it matters

District presenters emphasized that the production provided opportunities for students across buildings to work together, build new friendships and gain performance experience at a higher level than typical single-school shows. Janet Gilhousz and other directors said the show was a “colossal risk” that succeeded with the help of parents, administrators and district staff.

Supporting details

• Scope and recognition: Presenters reported roughly 100 students from Davenport North, Central and West participated and said the production has been invited to perform at the Iowa State Thespian Festival. Staff also said they plan to submit the show for adjudication with the hope of selection for the International Thespian Festival in Indiana.

• Financial and logistical support: Directors thanked the board and district cabinet for financial backing and described parent boosters, community partners and district staff as instrumental in staging the production.

• Student voices: Senior students who performed described the experience as formative; one student said performing with peers from other schools felt “very eye opening” and like “a really big family.” A student performer, Mason Vans Goy, sang an excerpt during the meeting and directors later presented the board with a signed poster from the cast and crew.

Board reaction and next steps

Board members praised the production and thanked the students and staff. No formal action was required; presenters offered to provide photos and a poster for district display and invited board members to the Nov. 14 performance at UNI.

Ending

The board acknowledged the program as an example of cross-school collaboration made possible by district funding and volunteer support, and directors said they will share follow-up materials and invitations for the festival performance.