Crowds congregated outside the doors of Finnigan Fieldhouse at 7:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, clamoring in excitement for the doors to open into Franciscan University’s Student Homecoming Talent Show. After everyone found their seats and a spotlight on center stage replaced the overhead lights, the hosts Ian and Jacob set the mood for the night with witty banter and lighthearted dancing.  

In 16 acts, the talent show presented the unique skills of the student body. Ten of these involved singing–in some cases, the songs were originals written by the students themselves. One example of this was John Tiplick’s original song about the Jubilee year of hope, which was sung alongside three other young men. 

Other singers in this show included bands such as “Valley Forge,” who can be found singing at The Harp and Habit. Additionally, an opera singer named Margaret Agnew flawlessly sang a difficult German operatic aria from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” 

There were also song mashups such as Sophia Cespedes’ combination of “Linger” by The Cranberries and “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer. The familiar songs invoked the audience to join in singing and created a lively atmosphere. Other singers included Ben, Tyler and David performing together with a song titled “Someday,” Gregory Martin who had the talent of playing two instruments at once while singing and Sofia Piper’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” which instilled a nostalgia into the crowd as they waved their phone flashlights in unison.  

The Priestly Discernment Program came on stage and sang a version of “Shut Up and Dance” swapping the lyrics to “Shut Up and Be a Priest” while they danced together on stage, displaying camaraderie and inspiring others to consider joining the priesthood. After this, Anya Wisely wonderfully displayed her talent of singing with a ukulele, and Benjamin Herrera invited Rev. Rufino Corona to join him in singing on stage, together singing “Hindman” by Nicholas Jamerson.  

In addition to singing, there was an electric guitarist named Alex Stinson and a pianist named Gus Johnson, who both received standing ovations for their outstanding skills.  

Mariah Carter demonstrated the unique talent of hula dancing, which she learned from her hometown in Hawaii. This was followed by the Irish Dance Club, who made an appearance to showcase their skills and have a dance-off with Ian dressed as a dinosaur.  

The student’s skills did not only extend to musical talent and dancing, but to poetry as well. Poets Patrick Warner and Isaac Jacoby lit aflame the hearts of the audience with their insightful and awe-inspiring words. Both recited original poems focusing on key points in the Catholic faith, such as Jesus’ forgiveness and love, as well as a deep dive on who God is. 

As the fluorescent lights returned, the community of Franciscan University was left in awe of the previously hidden skills of the students who had performed their unique and beautiful talents on stage.