Alton High School Celebrates Black History Month with Fine Arts Showcase

ALTON - Alton High School students commemorated Black History Month with an impressive fine arts performance.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, students presented a Black Student Excellence Showcase to celebrate Black History Month through the arts. From singing to dancing to theater and more, students paid tribute to the artists and leaders who went before them while community members cheered them on.

“Black history is all of our history,” said Program Director Dr. Willie Kilpatrick. “I want them to take pride in their ethnicity. I want them to take pride in this school. I want them to take pride in this community. You give them good experiences, and they build on it for the rest of their lives.”

Kilpatrick and Paula Covington, who helped organize the program, agreed that the students did a “phenomenal” job. They thanked Orchestra Director Laura Plummer, Choir Director Leah Galbraith, Theater Manager Derrick Devault, and pianist Michael Frazier for their help with the showcase.

Kilpatrick also gave a special shoutout to Principal Stacie Franke, who approached him about starting a Black History Month presentation at the high school. He noted that it’s important to help students cultivate a “sense of belonging,” and that work started with Franke.

The showcase kicked off with the Master and Mistress of Ceremony, Prince and Majesty Harrion, who narrated and introduced each performance.

Soloist Pilar Gardner, a sophomore, sang “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood, accompanied by the AHS Symphonic Ensemble. Kilpatrick noted Smallwood’s contributions to gospel music and pointed out that you “can't speak of Black history without speaking about the Black church.”

Lauren Conwell, a junior, recited “Phenomenal Woman” by poet Maya Angelou. This was followed by a dance interpretation of the song “Clown” by Emeli Sande, performed by junior Shamaryia Edwards.

It was important to Kilpatrick to incorporate historical figures in the showcase. He explained that a lot of students aren’t as familiar with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as previous generations are. Aiden Stephens, a junior, portrayed Malcolm X and Jamari Rounds, a senior, acted as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a short scene called “The Meeting.”

The AHS Step Team provided a steppin' performance for audience members. Keiley Woods, Courtaysia Slack, Ja’nya Hubbard, Koyana Proctor, Gabrielle Taylor, Ja’myla Jones, Justyce Green and Alandra Butler led the performance.

The entire AHS Choir flooded the stage to perform “I Sing Because I’m Happy” by Rillo Dilworth as the grand finale. Kilpatrick noted the importance of bringing kids of all races and backgrounds together for this final performance.

“We’re in this history together. We make it,” he said. “With our school, we have a mixed school, and the diversity is our strength.”

Kilpatrick and Covington organized the showcase in three weeks. They worked hard to find their performers and help them rehearse, and they hope the experience was as empowering for the students as it was for them.

“It has been the joy of my year working with all those kids. They’ve been nothing but perfect, true examples of kids of character,” Kilpatrick added. “There are some wonderful gems in this school. Many of those kids didn’t know that they could do it. But this experience, I wanted them to have a great experience, and I think that they’ve had it. They’ve just been phenomenal. If we create the space for kids, they can do phenomenal things.”

More like this:

Alton High School Assistant Principal Vernon Curvey Reflects on Career Putting Kids First

Yesterday

Alton Middle School Recognized for Positive School Culture

Apr 22, 2026

Alton Elementary Schools to Showcase Students' LEGO Builds

Apr 6, 2026

Edwardsville Elementary School Students Experience Mobile Planetarium Shows

Apr 14, 2026

East Alton Schools Celebrate Black History Month with Performances, Games, More

Feb 28, 2026