On Wednesday, March 23, 2011, students, parents, the PR faculty, and many others took their seats in the theater, anticipating a great show, which began at seven o’clock. For the past couple of years, the National Honor Society had organized Karaoke for Cancer; this year however, when new needs arose and new issues were brought to the attention of the NHS board members, Karaoke for Cancer was transformed into Karaoke for ALS. Therefore, this year’s proceeds, made from ticket sales, the sale of Gatorade and wristbands during commons, and various donations were put towards the Carole VanDoorn Memorial Fund.
What is ALS? ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease , is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, resulting in the inability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movements. Each year, approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS in the United States. Because ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial or ethnic boundaries, it can strike anyone. Therefore, by dedicating the night to ALS and to the Carole VanDoorn Memorial Fund and by working to raise money beforehand, the National Honor Society not only impacted a student’s personal life for the better, but also impacted the future of ALS research by displaying that Prairie Ridge students and faulty care.
To hear the boys in Madrigals sing, jugs were passed around as the guys hoped to raise at least one hundred more dollars. In the time between songs, the guys successfully raised over $260 and earned their right to sing on the stage. Furthermore, the night grew all the more amusing as Mr. Dusenske walked onto the stage stating that he will sing the song “Lunch Lady Land,” accompanied by Dale Wesa on the guitar and Mrs. Berg’s interpretative dancing.
His performance surprised many, and it was quickly followed by Ms. Orsi’s and Mr. Jauch’s “It Takes Two” and Srta. Bartells and Sra. Tiria’s “Waka Waka.” Near the end of the show, Mr. Seiler, Mr. Dusenske, and Mr. Kennett kept the audience interested with their version of “Intergalactic,” while Mrs. Orsi, Srta. Bartells, Miss Arfstrom, Sra. Tiria, Miss Morris, and Miss Bauman showed off their moves as they danced to the classic “Thriller.” By the end of the show, everyone in the audience had enjoyed an awesome night.
Rachel VanDoorn ended the night with kindness and gratitude as she thanked the audience for the time, the money, and the laughter that erupted that evening. Rachel declared that “everyone’s efforts and contributions were greatly appreciated,” and so ended Karaoke for ALS 2011.
