18-04-2025
Winchester community members step into the spotlight for a ‘magical' night of plays
WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) — As Stephen Bradley Lane got ready to hit the stage for his performance at the Leeds Center for the Arts on Thursday night, he was excited, to say the least.
'This play is going to be a wonderful performance. It was wonderful last year; it's even going to be better tonight,' said Lane.
He is a member of STRIDE, a residential day program for people with disabilities.
For the second year in a row, STRIDE partnered with the Leeds Youth Board for Magical Strides.
'When you're around the people at Stride and you're working on something like this, like, it's just the happiest, most supportive environment ever. And I think that both parties really get a lot out of it,' said Jacob Ernst, supervisor of the Leeds Youth Board.
This year's Magical Strides event brought classic children's books to life in their own way, like 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' and 'Where the Wild Things Are.'
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Plus, some musical performances like 'Under the Sea' from The Little Mermaid and 'We're All in This Together' from High School Musical.
After weeks of hard work, there was a lot for these performers to look forward to.
'Number one would be being on TV just talking about this program and talking about the play,' said Lane.
Well, maybe something a little more important.
'Number two would just be being around my youth group and STRIDE friends,' he said.
'All the work we put in, how much confidence, how it's strong. And I think we can do the best that I and Nikki and Grace can do,' said Hayden Arnold while near his friends, Grace and Nikki.
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'I'm excited rather than nervous. I just love doing this. I love the people. I love all my friends,' Leeds Youth Board's President Trent Conboy-Holden told FOX 56.
The friendships within the cast spoke volumes, showing that it is not hard to share the spotlight when you've got friends by your side.
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