December 5, 2023

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy Home held its annual Youth Variety Show this November. Typically held in April, the last Variety Show planned for that month in 2020 was canceled. But as our world and Mercy Home have resumed many pre-COVID traditions and routines, we were delighted to bring the variety show back this fall.

“It gives the youth here at Mercy Home the opportunity to showcase all their different talents,” said Ashley Monroe Turner, who works in the Home’s Community Care program.

Because this was the first show in four years, it was a unique experience for almost all the youth performers.

This year’s theme was “Out of This World” which was conveyed by inflatable green extraterrestrials and space decorations The antennas and glow sticks were a hit as well as the temporary tattoos people received as they walked in. The kids even had the support of a DJ for their performances. 

The talent show began with a rap from one of the boys and continued with acts that included piano and guitar performances, dancing, gymnastics, and singing among other talents. Some acts were performed solo while others were done with friends.

Not only did youth and coworkers from across the Home attend, but some families did as well and the outpouring of support created an electric environment for a night filled with young stars.

“I am always so excited to support these children,” Quintero said. In addition to the live performances, there was also an art and writing contest that kids submitted pieces for that were compiled in our annual youth literary and art magazine. Lali, the winner of the art contest, created a beautiful self-portrait that caught the eye of the judges and was featured on the magazine’s cover. “It was stunning,” Quintero said. “She added gold leaf. All of the blending and proportions were perfect, and it wasn’t all realism. She added flowers instead of hair and it was just a very talented piece of art.”

But it wasn’t just about the winners for Quintero. She was happy to see the number of kids who were eager to express themselves. 

“I was delighted to see the guys participating in the writing,” Quintero said. “They not only participated but were very genuine and very raw in their writing. They have so many obligations during the day, and they have to write so much for school and tutoring, but to do it for their own volition to express themselves, I was proud.”

While this year’s event was a major success, Monroe Turner thinks that next year will be even more so. 

“I honestly think next year we’ll have a bigger buy-in from the guys because they saw some of their friends up there,” she said. “They won’t be as scared as they thought.”

We are so proud of all our kids who shared their talents with us this year!