It was a night dedicated to showcasing students with unique talents and eclectic backgrounds. The “Night of Inspiration,” held on Feb. 25 in the school theater, was sponsored by the Students of Excellence and hosted by the group’s faculty adviser Antoine Everhart-Chappelle and senior Davis Baker.

The mix of melodic voices of singers, witty remarks of the hosts, and upbeat music all combined to form a pleasant night for those in attendance.

As expected, an event of such magnitude required a lot of planning and practice. Quality production was the major focus to ensure that the show flowed and succeeded. To do so, a reliable event leader was necessary. That leadership came in the form of Students of Excellence Vice President Kaylan Johnson. The savvy junior took charge of the event and led the show to greatness. “The show wouldn’t have been possible without her,” said Everhart-Chappelle.

Johnson spoke toward the challenge of bringing together a big event in a comparatively short period of time. “It was sometimes hard to produce the show because we were under a time crunch. There seemed to be a need for leadership, so I stepped up to the plate,” said Johnson. “I want to be a music manager when I grow up, so this was a chance to test my skills.”

Thanks to Johnson and the other dedicated students, the show went as planned and was delivered with style and grace. A total of 13 acts entertained the gathered audience.

By all accounts, the organization’s leadership said they were pleased with the outcome. “It went well,” said Brenton Nesbit, Students of Excellence president. “A lot of people came and our performers put on a great show. Everyone showcased what they were able to do in front of a crowd.”

The motivation for holding the event went well beyond providing a venue for exhibiting student talent. The motto of the Students of Excellence is “creating leaders while changing lives” and event-organizers say this goal was richly realized during the “Night of Inspiration.” “The main goal was to use the funds we had been granted to help a North Atlanta family in need,” said Nesbit.

The community service aspect of the event drove the performers to new heights. It’s hoped the “Night of Inspiration” will further motivate the Students of Excellence to continue showcasing distinction by changing lives here at North Atlanta and in the community beyond.