CAPPA showcase reaches out to community members

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Nearly 130 youths stepped, sang, danced and recited pieces in front of a packed house Saturday night at the fifth annual Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) showcase at the Community Arts Center on West Fourth Street.

The showcase featured a variety of acts from local youth who have spent the last nine months learning and growing through CAPPA's academic-based enrichment program.

"CAPPA is changing the lives of young people," Mayor Gabriel J. Campana said.

Dr. Kathleen Kelley, superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District, agreed.

"The main reason for being here is that CAPPA supports the social and academic enrichment of these children," she said. "That is the mission of CAPPA, and that is the mission of our school district."

The show's theme, Each 1 Reach 1 Each 1 Teach 1, was a call to young people to not only reach out to others, but to "reach inside ourselves and see our own self-worth," according to Rakilah Victor, a CAPPA participant.

In addition to groups from Williamsport, performers from Dayton, Ohio, Chester and the Bronx, N.Y. entertained the audience with their talents and abilities.

For those who missed the showcase, or want to see it again, the program will air on Comcast cable channel 70 on July 4 at 10:30 p.m., July 5 at noon and 7 p.m., July 10 at 7 p.m., July 11 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and July 12 at noon and 7 p.m.

David Wright, director of student services for the Williamsport Area School District, called on those in attendance to make sure the showcase continues to provide a positive outlet for area children.

"Tonight is (showcase) number five, and you know what comes next," he said. "We owe it to the young children who are about to show you what Williamsport is about and what they can do."