I thought of him these last few days as I watched our 8th graders acting, dancing, and singing their way across the stage during this year’s 8th grade production of “Peter Pan.” The show was fantastic, providing a wonderful showcase for the talented young people that our 8th graders have become. Many of our students have only limited musical theater experience, but under the careful guidance of Director Elisabeth Crabtree and her patient and talented team of adults, and with the can-do confidence of a Hillbrook education coursing through their veins, the students brought the house down both nights. Whether singing solos and playing leading roles or belting out songs as part of the chorus, they proved yet again that there are no small parts in theater. Just like my young 2nd grade friend, many of these children had first found there way onto stage telling a joke.
I had the privilege of spending part of each performance backstage in the green room. Here, I witnessed the students working as a cohesive team, helping each other with costumes and props, cheering each group as they rushed off stage, reminding each other about what was up next. Several seventh graders served as stagehands. Other than a few of us who were doing cameos in the show, there were rarely any adults to be seen. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. Elisabeth and a group of teachers and parents had worked tirelessly to set up the show. For several months, they have put all of the pieces into place. Yet, when the house lights dimmed and the spotlight came on, the adults stepped back into the wings and allowed the students to shine.
It is, in many ways, a perfect analogy for what we are all striving to do as parents. We spend our children’s early years creating opportunities and partnering with teachers and other trusted adults with the hope that our children will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive on their own. The older they get, the more we have to step back and let go. The transition can be challenging, particularly during Middle School, leaving us as parents with a sense of loss for the young children who had just a few years before rushed into our arms or snuggled with us at night. Watching the 8th graders both on and off the stage, however, provided the joy of getting a glimpse into both the independent, talented, and impressive adults these young people will be in only a few years, and the sometimes goofy, enthusiastic, and earnest adolescents that they still are today.
During the show, Peter Pan and his Lost Boys declare, “We won’t grow up.” Quite to the contrary, over the past few days, these young people have grown up right before our eyes. In just a few months they will be leaving Hillbrook. I have no doubt they are ready and prepared to fly.
