From unicycles to singing to jumping rope to group dances, Manhattan High’s Interpersonal Skills class show off their talents on Thursday in the return of the Manhattan’s Got Talent show.

“With the talent show I wanted to give the students of IPS something that they could create, something that they could make their own,” IPS co-teacher Jamie Schnee said. “Something that was open to the whole school to anybody who wanted to join, and it was just inclusive for anyone.” 

This show was a time for the school community to come together and support one another no matter our differences. The IPS motto this year is “people are different, not less.” This message was shown throughout the entirety of the show. Everyone who participated had different talents, different personalities, different struggles, but that did not make them less than any other participant. 

“[The performance] was so great, I liked the diversity and just the amount of joy our school promotes. I like the inclusion,” IPS member Emma Sturm said. “That’s why I like the shows because we get to express that and everyone has different talents, it’s a good community of loving, joyful people.”

The members of IPS have poured their hearts and souls into this performance and it was evident that it meant so much to all of them. Every participant was able to show a talent that was special to them and even get the chance to step out of their comfort zone. 

“[I was] very nervous,” Kaleb Gilbert said. “But I got over it and just sang.”

This show was a great way to bring many people of the school together and support one another, no matter their differences because everyone is different but that’s what makes our community special. 

“I was so proud of the kids involved, all the work put into it and just loved every second of it,” Monroe Say said. “I really love seeing all the kid’s confidence shine on stage.” 

 “I don’t really say this every year,” Schnee said. “But it really was maybe the best show we’ve ever had.”