Hope of America- Bianca

Sometimes I cannot believe Bianca is in fifth grade. Today she performed Hope of America along with other fifth graders from her school. In 2023 her school decided not to participate in Hope of America with other schools from Utah County at the Marriot Center anymore. The school issued an email explaining the decision: 

Dear Parents,

I am writing this letter to let you know that our school will not be participating in the Hope of America Student Showcase held at the Marriott Center each year in May.

For the past 21 years, our school has participated.  Last year, we made the decision to continue with Hope of America for 5th grade students. Each year, including last year, our school has been allowed to remain seated after the show until their Parents come and retrieve them from their teacher.  Having children wait to be picked up is one way we have had some control of the safety needed.  I cannot control what others do but until now I could control what our families will do.

This year, I was told by those in charge of this program that our school will no longer be allowed to remain seated but will have to meet their Parents outside the Marriott Center. With this being the case, I cannot in good conscience have our school participate. 

The first year we participated, it was scary and I said then never again if this does not change.  I have been able to make it safe for our students up until now. I have always held my stance on this because of concerns for the safety of children. 

With all of this being said, we have decided to prepare our own Hope of America program.  I hope you can support this decision.

I was sad but I support this decision 100%. I felt so much better having Giovi wait for me on her seat when she participated in Hope of America at Marriot Center. After the show the pick up for other schools was chaotic with so many people everywhere. I would not like have Bianca go through that. It is just not safe! 

Anyways, the children's performance was beautiful and touching. They put so much effort in learning and practicing the songs. They sang The Star Spangled Banner, Hope of America, This is America, Thank you Military, Utah- This is the Place, and We Can be a Light. I was very emotional.

Bianca closed the program with a reading part about my favorite song- We Can be a Light (about 3:42 minutes into the video). The lights from the gym were turned off and the kids used flashlights. It was so beautiful! 

We Can be a Light

Wherever there is darkness, together we'll bring light

Let's shine on all God's children. Shine with all your might

For those who feel forgotten, who are lost along their way

This light's a new beginning, shine bright it's there to light the way

We can make this light shine brighter by reaching our hand

To the poor and to the needy all throughout this land

Let's combine our lights together into one enormous ray

This light's a new beginning shining bright it's there to light the way

All across America people reaching out their hand

Bring your light and join our chorus

Everyone shine bright throughout this land

We can be light shinning everywhere

All across America showing people that we care

Oh, let your light shine helping other find their way

We can turn the darkness night into to brightest day

We can be a light shining everywhere all across America

Hope of America is by far my favorite program because I do believe our children ARE the hope of America. They are pure and kind.

I am not crying. You are.