Hundreds of students, 14 schools and one night of incredible talent — this Friday marks one of the biggest events of the year for Beaufort County Schools, as the school system hosts its 25^th annual Steppin’ Out talent show.

Bringing together acts from every traditional Beaufort County school, Steppin’ Out is a joint production of BCS and the Beaufort County Education Foundation. From skits to musical performances, the show promises entertainment for all who attend.

“This was kind of the brainchild of Mac Mclean, with the Beaufort County Education Foundation, as a way to showcase the performing arts in our county,” said BCS 6-12 Curriculum Director Ashley Padgett. “All schools are invited to perform a five minute act.”

In addition to giving students an opportunity to showcase their talents, Steppin’ Out also serves to promote innovative educational strategies in local classrooms. The foundation uses proceeds from ticket sales to provide Partners In Education grants to BCS teachers, allowing them to try new things that might not otherwise be possible due to budget constraints.

“It’s really neat,” Padgett said. “The community gets to see kids from all of our schools and teachers get the money to innovate in the classroom. It’s a nice, reciprocal event.”

Among the evening’s performances are:

• Musical performances from choirs and bands throughout the county
• A patriotic medley from John Small Elementary students
• A Michael Jackson tribute by Northeast Elementary students
• A performance from Willy Wonka Jr. by Bath Elementary students

“Schools get to choose what they perform,” Padgett said. “This year is a really strong year for our bands.”

Doors open at Washington High School at 5:15 p.m. Friday, with the show starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the show are $7 each and are available at the BCS central office through Friday, as well as at the door on Friday evening.