G.S. Lakie Middle School students were busy after school Friday rehearsing for the upcoming ÔRock Show 2Õ wich runs Monday through Thursday at the school. Herald photo by David Rossiter

Conor Beagan
FOR THE HERALD
How do you get more than 200 middle school students to show up to school on a Saturday? The staff at G.S. Lakie Middle School know the secret.
Two hundred and twenty kids spent the afternoon at school rehearsing for their production of "Rock Show 2" beginning on Monday. This is the second performance of this type of show and since 2010's "Rock Show" the cast has almost doubled.
There is something for everyone at "Rock Show 2" including performances to songs from KISS, ABBA, The Backstreet Boys, and many others.
Teacher Sheldon Arvay said the show is a great way to showcase the array of programs at the school. Students from the rock and pop, guitar, band, choir and dance programs are all part of the show.
"We have such diverse programs at G.S. Lake. All of the teachers got together and decided that we should collaborate for one massive show," said Arvay.
Teachers are sure to include everyone who wants to participate by incorporating each child's discipline into the show. The dedicated students and teachers have been rehearsing every day after school for the past few months to get everything perfect for opening night.
When asked what their favourite part of "Rock Show 2" is, Grayson Ukrainetz, 14, Eric Vetger, 13, Aidan Sweeney, 13, and Quinn Kyle, 13, all piped up at once.
"KISS!"
"I finally get to have big, long, bushy hair and I get to wave it around a lot. That makes me pretty happy," said Ukrainetz as he grinned through his black and white face paint.
For others, the reason for participating in the show is simple.
"I just like getting on stage and singing for people. I really enjoy singing," said Olivia Earl, 13.
Over the past two years, the school has received approximately $100,000 in grants. These grants were put toward the construction of a portable theatre.
"We now have our own sound system and our own light show. Monday will be the first night we get to use everything for a show," said Arvay.
"This is will be, without a doubt, the biggest and most impressive show we've ever done."
"It's been unbelievable trying to co-ordinate that many kids," said teacher Don Ponech after students and teachers gathered at the school on Saturday afternoon to iron out any kinks at the final dress rehearsal.
"I tell the kids that I don't want this to look like middle school kids doing this. We want the outcome of our performance to be very high quality."
With all of the rehearsal time, new equipment and dedication of the students, there's no doubt that Rock Show 2 is sure to be a success.
"These kids have worked very hard. They love music and they love doing this," said Arvay.
"They are very dedicated and they have no problem with working hard. That's why we get a great product."
"Rock Show 2" at G.S. Lakie Middle School opens Monday and continues on through Thursday. Tickets are $10 at the G.S. Lakie office and performances begin at 7 p.m.