Jane Knight’s fourth grade students at Danville-Neel Elementary School were at their theatrical best Aug. 13 as they entertained their grandparents with a variety of humorous skits, served them refreshments and gave each one a goody bag.
In her opening remarks, Knight praised grandparents for what they do for their grandchildren.
“You provide them with a safe haven and lots of love,” she said.
“The children look forward to you coming,” Principal Glenn Lang said. “They are very fortunate to have you in their lives.”
Ben Mause got the program off to a rousing start by impersonating the speech of Principal Lang. Jordan Melson followed with a pantomimed version of the song, “Last Kiss.”
Molly Burch, Taylor Cleek, Marissa Johnson, Destiny Collins, Haley Jones and Kayleigh Wilson used “The Time Machine” to remind members of the audience of the good times they shared in the past.
Ben Mause and Eli Clark, who were introduced as “The Wrestlers,” entered the stage with the aid of a walker and wheelchair.  However, they sprang to life after partaking of “The Tonic” and left in a run.”
“Going to the Dance” featured Kaitlin Simpson, Kayleigh Wilson and Kennedy Harp demonstrating dance steps familiar to their grandparents.
“The Old Duck Hunters” were portrayed by Clay Johnson, Seth Lacy, Mikey Lesher, Carter McLemore and Zeb Crutcher.  They played their parts with a lot of macho until the shooting started.
That’s when the impact of their weapons knocked them down and they had to have help to get off the stage.
Lilly Vest, Austin Reeves, Kaitlin Simpson, Haley Jones, Kayleigh Wilson and Jordan Melson brought the curtain down with their rendition of dancing “At the Hop.”
The program received rave reviews from the approximately 50 grandparents in attendance.
“It’s wonderful to have these young children around,” John Sims said. “They are real smart.”
“I thought the program was wonderful,” added Jean Narrell. “My daughter attended the old elementary school. Having lost a child, it makes being a grandchild very special. It’s also great to see that the school has advanced so much.”
“I’m going through my second childhood. I always enjoy coming to see the program,” Doris Clark said.
“You can’t beat the grandkids,” said Roger Long, who attended the program in spite of being slowed down by a broken foot.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”