GRIDLEY, CA (MPG)
– For more than 30 years, the Gridley High School (GHS) Renaissance Dinner has
provided a welcome performing arts opportunity for many students, entertained
the community, and raised funds for the Gridley High School Band and Drama
programs.

“It’s definitely
more than just a fundraiser, especially for us kids. It’s joy. We go to
practices, we have fun, we hang out, we laugh, we get close and it’s a form of
art,” said senior McKenna Swanson. “Being able to have a chance to perform in
front of people, I’m super grateful for that.”

Students performed
comedy skits, dances and songs. The jester told jokes and collected jokes from
the audience. Those attending paid the Queen to put ne’er-do-wells in the
dungeon, with others paying to release them. The evening ended with the song
“Homeward Bound,” traditionally sung by the Gridley High School Choir and choir
alumni.

“It was my gateway
into doing theater and finding out that this is where I had my confidence, and
this is where I belonged,” said Swanson, who has participated all four high
school years. “It introduced me to the friends I’ve had for most of high
school. It’s nice to have a thing where we can all come and be.”

Ethan Jacobsen, in
his fourth year as Gridley High School music teacher, continues the Renaissance
Dinner tradition because students, teachers, alumni and the community
anticipates it. It sells out every year and is the music and drama programs’
largest fundraiser. The evening also provides the fall performance opportunity
for the drama students.

Band director
Ethan Jacobsen thanked cast director Connie Quist, head cook Julie Thompson, barbecue
extraordinaire Jeremy and Joanie Grover and Shirley Lam, who helped in several
different ways. Jacobsen also thanked the many parents and community members
who helped make it a magical evening.