Last Saturday, February 7, Extra Special People (ESP) hosted an event which highlights talents of performers with disabilities. ESP Big Hearts was a talent show hosted at Rome High School, allowing children and adults to show their talents. All who bought a ticket or donated money helped in ESP Rome’s Mission to offer transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families.
“I was a volunteer at the event so I was paired with a buddy, I helped them backstage and getting ready. My girl sang, “Let me tell you about My Jesus”, which a lot of people sang. She also did a dance to Barbie and Ken with another participant,” Junior Finley Pilgrim said.
The talent show gives not only the participants an opportunity to give back to the community and show what ESP is really all about, but the audience and people who come to the event are able to see why it’s so important and the cause of giving back.
“The talent show makes me appreciate our community because everyone comes together to give these kids and adults the best night of their lives,” Junior Nora Knaak said. “This event had an impact on the community because it really shows how loving our community is. I feel like going to this event is really important because the more people in the crowd cheering the better.”
ESP has many events that they host, each event is different with new opportunities and fun activities, giving all participants a way of interacting with others while also learning. During the summer, ESP has a full summer camp with different sessions and activities along with field trips and learning experiences.
“I have done many summer camps before, along with club experiences which are usually after school on Fridays. They are super fun and they make you, as the volunteer, feel good about helping and giving back to those who need it,” Sophomore Abby Kate Jackson said. “I also have not only experience in ESP working with many kids, but I have a younger brother, Truett, who has Down Syndrome. These experiences for him makes me feel good because it shows him that he can do anything he sets his mind to.”
Working camps and volunteering for ESP camps helps you gain service hours and donate money to the organization. The talent show, Big Hearts, gives children and adults the spotlight on stage to be able to show others what they can do.
“All ESP camps, Big Hearts included, have a very positive impact on the community, giving back to children and families while also letting the participants show you who they truly are,” Junior Emmett Holcombe said.