One of my most memorable experiences in Selma so far was the opening night of “Footloose: the Musical.” Most of the students in the show had never been in a play, and all the hours of rehearsal, painting, construction, and team building lead up to this night. With a rough dress rehearsal and some major technical difficulties the day of the show, none of us really knew what the outcome would be. The directors were simply praying that everyone would remember their lines and that the set wouldnt fall on anyone, but what happened that night was truly a miracle.
I was waiting to open the curtain when the house manager called places. All the kids rushed onstage hugging, high fiving and wishing each other a good show. I saw the energy and excitement in their eyes - a beautiful blend of fun and terror like the one you see on a childs face as he jumps off the diving board for the first time.
The audience cheered and clapped as the band struck up the rockin musical intro. The light show began and the curtain rose to reveal students from different schools giving their best to the community. The whole night was electrifying as the students performed their hearts out for a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. When the cast sang the final phrase of the show “Everybody cut footloose, yeah!” the crowd jumped to their feet and clapped and cheered for ten minutes.
The lobby was full of hugs, photographs, flowers, and laughter. No one wanted to go home. Now, months later, when someone mentions “Footloose” in Selma people remember that night. A night when people came together, students gave their best, and love showed up in a very special way.
Welcome!
Welcome to the Freedom Foundation “blog” – a place to read everyday stories from everyday people who volunteer for the Freedom Foundation. These are the stories that are the life of the events, programs and efforts of the Foundation.
Some people criticize us for the faith we have that makes us believe we can make a difference. Others ridicule the idea that change is possible. But it is stories like these that you read below and then thousands of others that remind us that making a difference in just one person’s life is worth it.
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.
If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down,
picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…
“I made a difference for that one.”
These are our “Starfish Stories”.
Some people criticize us for the faith we have that makes us believe we can make a difference. Others ridicule the idea that change is possible. But it is stories like these that you read below and then thousands of others that remind us that making a difference in just one person’s life is worth it.
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.
If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down,
picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…
“I made a difference for that one.”
These are our “Starfish Stories”.
