A group of local students spent a significant portion of their summer vacation this year on the stage.

About 40 children ranging in age from 6 to 11 recently performed an adapted version of the classic “Wizard of Oz.” The performance was the culmination of the Wiles Elementary School Summer Enrichment Program, which involved four weeks of intensive preparation in singing, dancing, art and drama. In keeping with theatre tradition, there was also a cast party following the evening performance in front of friends and family.

Students from several Alachua County schools participated in the program. Cast members included Michelle Bai, Emily Butler, Stephanie Caudle (Cowardly Lion), Abbie Clark, Kevin Conner, Elsa Cuadros, Sarah DeLoach, Bailey Dolsak, Jamie Estaver, Bridget Foster, Steve Han (Tin Man), Unnur Hardardottir (Glinda, the Good Witch), Derrick Hardin, Trey King (Scarecrow), Abigail Kneal (Dorothy), Derek Li, Jenny Lind (Good Witch of the North), Rachel Loiler, Sarah Loiler (Aunt "Em), Rachael Marsh, Reilly McDonald, Sarah McDonald, Emily McGee, Taylor McGee, Hayley Merrill, Andrew Milman (The wizard of Oz), Brooke Price, Christine Sack, Kelsey Sack, Jacob Sapp (Uncle Henry), Risham Sidhu, Chandler Smith (Wicked Witch), Courtney Stanford (Toto), Kristina Taggart, Wendy Tan, Carson Toney, Jordan Toney, Harper Warner and Joyce Zhang.

The teachers of the program were Debbie Williamson (Art), Cristi Resczenski and Diane Avigne (Dance) and Carolyn Turner (Music and Drama).  Lauren Sack served as the student volunteer for the program.