What It Means to Give Back

Excitement radiated throughout the hallways of Falling Creek Middle School on April 24 as the opening night of Game of Tiaras slowly approached. 

Students in the school’s drama program had been working on the production since the beginning of January with support from Start 1 Spark, which assisted with set construction and supported program leaders Kate Hundley and Conner Evans. 

Before the show, students met members of the organization’s Board of Directors at a pre-show dinner and ran through last minute dress and sound rehearsals. 

LaShante Robinson, the secretary for Start 1 Spark, joined the organization to give back to her community and set an example for students to give back. 

Robinson arrived with other board members to set up the pre-show buffet, the concession and ticket stand alongside folding and placing programs, all provided by Start 1 Spark. 

She shared that it was rewarding to see the students excited to perform and, “see all their hard work come to life.”

“This is what it is about,” Robinson said, watching the students radiate with excitement as they prepared to go onstage.  

Brett McCreight, the president of Start 1 Spark, was among the present board members on opening night and worked throughout the night to ensure a smooth production. 

A longtime lover of basketball and being involved, McCreight believes in the power of extracurriculars and helping students throughout the Henrico community. 

McCreight eased the nervous students as they lined up to get their food with quick jokes, getting smiles on their faces before they headed to the stage. 

Kate Hundley, a reading specialist at Falling Creek, worked tirelessly up to the last minute to ensure students felt confident in every aspect of the show

“It feels great to be here tonight,” Hundley said. “We have worked so hard and put so much effort into it so it is really exciting to see how the audience reacts…and seeing the students’ excitement makes it all worth it.”

Hundley stepped into the role of drama co-director after the pandemic and has partnered with Start 1 Spark this academic year to ensure students have the resources and support they need to succeed. She shared that multiple students in the eighth grade are continuing their journey at specialty schools with one attending the Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High School. 

“They[students] have worked so hard and put so much work into it,” Hundley said. “Seeing where they started and where they are now is night and day and it’s just wonderful.”

This sentiment was shared by Conner Evans, a sixth-grade English teacher at Falling Creek and co-director of the drama program. 

“I get very emotional when I think about it,” Evans admitted. “They improved so much from the time of auditions and to dress rehearsals now.” 

Evans also emphasized how support and encouragement from families, friends, and the Board has a meaningful impact on the students. 

“It’s really amazing,” Evans said. “It is the best thing to do and helps these kids continue their passion and furthering their education.” 

The excitement reached a pinnacle as crowds of families, students and community members erupted in cheers as the show concluded. For Start 1 Spark’s board members, the flowers and applause were a reminder of the difference their support has made in helping students shine on stage and beyond.