Fifth-grade students across Utah perform in 'Hope of America'

School buses made their way to the Marriott Center last week with children ready to perform for "Hope of America".

From May 5-7, more than 100 schools gathered in the Marriott Center for the performance. Although the fifth graders had been practicing the songs for months, they only had one rehearsal the morning of the big show.

"We practiced a lot at our school, but we only had one practice in the Marriott Center," Olivia Brown said.

Sherry Peterson, a member of the executive board, has been involved with Hope of America for 26 years.

The overall mission of 'Hope of America' is to inspire our children. If they can be taught truth, and then taught truth through music, it can inspire their hearts and inspire them for generations," Peterson said.

Each night began with a preshow, including the UVU Green Man Group, Championship Martial Arts, Island Style Dance Studio, and most popular among the fifth graders, Cosmo and BYU's Dunk Team.

Before continuing with the performance, Peterson honored the founder of Hope of America, Kathy McDonald, and Composer Sam Francis.

After the energetic preshow, the fifth graders took the spotlight and sang a series of songs highlighting America. The most popular song of the night, was "We Can Be the Light."

"My favorite part of the performance was 'We Can Be the Light,'" Daphne Mark said.

"I liked the flashlights whenever everyone did them," Brown said.

As the night wrapped up, Peterson said she hopes the children remember what the performance was about.

I hope they remember what they felt tonight when they were singing. I hope it stays with them," Peterson said.

After months of rehearsals, these fifth graders showcased their spirit and patriotism at their performance.