By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca
On Wednesday, April 30, Burlington Central High School was filled with excitement and energy as 18 unique student acts took the stage for the Halton Learning Foundation’s (HLF) annual “Students in the Spotlight” showcase. From musical ensembles and choir renditions to solo vocalists and cultural performances, the talent show brought together young performers from across Halton, all in support of equitable education for students in Halton District School Board (HDSB). Attendees could show their appreciation for the students’ talents via donations to HLF.
More than 190 students registered, and 135 video auditions were submitted for consideration. A committee of community members and HLF staff, many with music, band, and theatre backgrounds, carefully reviewed the submissions. Their goal was to feature a diverse mix of talent from each catchment area: Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Georgetown.
“Every year during April, schools throughout Halton come up with creative ways to support Halton Learning Foundation and raise funds,” said HLF CEO Marc Clare. “A danceathon, or a dodgeball tournament, something like that. Last year, one of the activities we did was Students in the Spotlight, so we decided to carry it on to this year as well.”
Clare noted that Burlington Central High School was the perfect venue for this year’s event, crediting Principal Trish Clark and the school’s production teacher, Shawn Clement, for their enthusiastic support. “They’ve been just phenomenal. Shawn Clement — the production teacher here — is amazing. And some amazing students are helping us out with production,” he said.
The evening not only highlighted the incredible talent of Halton students but also the foundation itself. “Well, I think it’s showcasing the amazing talent that is here,” said Clare. “But it’s also creating awareness with the students and their family and friends about HLF.”
Among the standout performances was the band Maelstrom from Georgetown District High School. The five-member group — Elias Hunt (grade 12), Ryan Lewis (grade 12), Doni Brackley (grade 9), Rhys Goodlet (grade 10), and Ryan Aselstyne (grade 10) — performed a cover of “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Although their style is rooted in rock, the band’s influences are wide-ranging.
Maelstrom backstage after their performance.
“We really have changed a lot,” said Aselstyne. “We’re all into different stuff. Rhys is into a lot of funk. Ryan and I are into a lot of 90s and 2000s pop punk. Elias is into punk rock. Doni’s into some really interesting, really heavy metal. So we like to drift between everybody’s taste.”
The band, which has been playing together since July 2024, looked forward to sharing their performance with family and friends.
“Our parents invest all the time into listening to us practice. So for them to see the finished product is really important,” said Aselstyne. The group will be performing next at the upcoming Asian Heritage Festival.
In another moving performance, students Mia Wong (grade 11, White Oaks Secondary), Elsa Ren (grade 8), and Emma Pelletier (grade 8), both from Post’s Corners Public School, delivered a powerful rendition of “Nu Er Qing,” a traditional Chinese piece. The trio blended piano, pipa (a Chinese string instrument), and bass clarinet. It was their first performance together, but they hope to continue collaborating.
Ren, who has been playing the pipa for seven years, described the moment as special. The girls were excited to perform for teachers, family, and community members — including their vice principal, grandparents, and siblings. Their elegant Chinese skirts were ordered from the Taobao app, adding a cultural touch to their appearance on stage.
Elsa Ren, Emma Pelletier, and Mia Wong collaborated to perform a traditional Chinese piece of music.
The evening also featured grade 3 student Lili, whose solo performance wowed the crowd. By 8:15 p.m., 22 backpacks had been funded, surpassing the night’s goal of 20. Each backpack, a $100 donation, supports a student in need with essential school supplies.
HLF’s impact is far-reaching. So far this year, the foundation has supported over 3,000 students across the Halton District School Board. With CN Rail as the title sponsor for HLF Month, attendees were encouraged to scan a QR code to donate.
Student leader Christian Young spoke at the event.
The evening included remarks from HDSB Associate Director Tina Salmini and featured student leader Christian Young, who runs the Caribbean-African People Society at Burlington Central High School. Young recently planned an Afro-drumming session at this school funded by HLF, demonstrating how the foundation’s support extends beyond the classroom and into students’ cultural experiences.
At its heart, Students in the Spotlight was a celebration of youth, diversity, and community. As Clare said, “It’s about showcasing student talent — but more importantly, it’s about supporting students in reaching their potential.”
Click here to watch some of the talented students perform.
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