Till we find our place on the path unwinding

In the circle, the circle of life.

The Jackson School Spring Concert had a dramatic, toe-tapping “Hakuna Matata” vibe. All students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 participated in a “Lion King” presentation as cast, narrators, and stage crew, a program “Dedicated to our beloved Principal Mrs. Susan Niden” who retires this summer after dedicating 29 years to her role.

Directed by music teacher Mr. Nick Linder, fourth graders portrayed Simba, Nala, Mufasa, Sarabi, Scar, Zazu, and Rafiki in their presentation of “The Circle of Life” and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.”

Fifth and sixth graders added Shenzi, Bonzai, Ed, Timon, and Pumba to the cast. Fifth graders sang “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata,” meaning “no worries for the rest of your life,” to the repertoire. Grade 6 closed the concert with “They Live in You” and a reprise of “The Circle of Life.”

Two months prior to the “Lion King” performance, fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classes started brainstorming ideas to begin the work of designing and creating stage sets, masks, and costumes with art teacher and concert art director Ms. Dorothy Simone. Members of the Senior Art Club, Junior Art Club, and Señora Ferrera, Mrs. Vegas, and Mrs. Behenna were engaged in bringing the “Lion King” to the stage as were fourth and fifth-grade students who created the design work for starring hyenas, the elephant graveyard, and the program cover. “The classes were devoted to the work. It truly was a group endeavor!” commented Ms. Simone.