TORRINGTON – The fifth-grade class at Trail Elementary performed their spring musical, Pirates 2: The Hidden Treasure, written by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson, last week at Torrington High School. 

The musical tells the story of a group of pirates who find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island and learn the valuable lesson the treasure on the island isn’t gold or gems, but rather friendship and family. The performance was a celebration of the diversity of talents among the students. Samara Nunnes and Star Weglin-Kelley created art for the programs. Hope Bennett took the lead in one musical number as the King of the High C’s. Other featured students included Radleigh Aldridge, Benton Foos, Jacob Hibben, Chevelle Rinehart, Rianna Talley, Star Weglin-Kelley, Isla Edmunds, Kenzie Chulski, Scarlett Ellis, Jamal Karimou, Novalee Reichert, Sarah Snarr and Addy Tschimperle. 

All the students sang and acted in the musical numbers. The students brought energy and teamwork to the performance which allowed them to clearly tell the story of the shipwrecked pirates. The Torrington High School auditorium was full of family and friends, cheering the students on. 

Director and Trail music teacher, Hilary Unverzagt, praises the preparation and courage of the students.

“There are so many ways music, and especially this musical, enhances our students’ academic and emotional development. Learning a musical takes a substantial amount of work and effort from each student to create a production that the whole grade level can be proud of, which fosters teamwork. Learning a musical also helps students tap into their creative side while boosting their confidence. It takes quite a bit of courage to perform in front of an audience and to perform well,” Unverzagt said. “This musical also had the message that the hidden treasure in all of us is not money or gold, but friendship, which has been a great supporting resource for one of the district’s initiatives: for students to learn and exemplify the seven habits of highly effective people or the Leader in Me program. I am so proud of each of my students and their performance on Thursday. They have grown so much from their first day of third grade music at Trail Elementary to now.”