This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A combined 6,000 Utah elementary school students will come together tonight to perform patriotic song and dance for the 18th annual Hope of America Student Showcase, held at Brigham Young University's Marriott Center in Provo.
It will be Wednesday, April 17 as well as Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by America's Freedom Festival at Provo — who present the Stadium of Fire every Fourth of July — Hope of America seeks to instill in young people the importance of civic duty and the history of the United States.The program includes fifth-graders from 75 schools in Alpine, Provo and Nebo school districts, as well as from charter schools from throughout Utah County.
In a musical show centered on U.S. history, physical fitness and character education, the students will perform before a two-night audience of over 15,000 people.
The event is free and open to the public.This year's musical performances will specifically focus on America's founding principles, the beauty of our nation, our rich military heritage and our basic civil rights.T
he Freedom Festival sends educational materials to every elementary school in Utah, encouraging more schools to get involved with the program.
Also participating in the event this year are Jean's Golden Girls, a dance troupe comprised of women ranging in age from their 50s to their 90s.