Lisa Duffy is a program assistant for the PbS Learning Institute. She holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has extensive experience in writing, editing, and content creation for private, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. A published novelist with three book club favorites from Simon & Schuster, Lisa’s writing can be found in numerous literary journals, print, and online publications.
A Trio from Ferris School Sing about their Commitment to Change
Three talented artists presenting a group original song titled “Make A Change” are the spotlight of this 2022 PbS Kids Got Talent Finalist blog. The performance opens with the trio seated in chairs, talking to a Ferris School staff member about their upcoming release dates.
“What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?” the staff member asks, to which all three young men respond, “make a change,” kicking off the instrumental, a rhythmic beat that allows space for their individual voices to shine.
“Standing like a soldier, walking through the rain. Yeah, we’re all getting older—can we make a change…I ain’t never going back, I gotta make a change,” the group raps, flanked by the concrete walls of the secure facility.
The Selection Committee tasked with scoring contest submissions were impressed with the both the message and the performance. “Your change in mindset is so powerful. You all are choosing to take accountability and control over your destiny. Y'all are an extremely talented group! Keep creating and being a leader to your peers…love the lyrics and how each artist had a distinct style and sound,” they raved.
Many thanks to the talented group from Ferris School for sharing their unique talent and impressive performance.
Watch the video here.
The annual PbS Kids Got Talent Contest invites all young people in PbS facilities and programs across the country to submit their talents for a chance to show off their skills. This year, Performance-based Standards (PbS) received 55 entries from 63 young people in 8 states and 22 different facilities. After careful consideration, 12 finalist performances were selected and shared with the Kids Got Talent Selection Committee.
Each of the 12 performances will be featured in the 2022 PbS Kids Got Talent Contest Finalist Spotlight blog over the coming weeks as our committee determines a solo winner and a group winner. The winners will be selected based on creativity, stage presence and talent. The winning soloist will perform live at the PbS Awards Night in August.
About the author
Lisa Duffy
PbS has been a partner in assisting this facility to become a dynamic work environment that is not satisfied with maintaining the status quo.