Community stars in Hometown Christmas

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – About 500 people are expected for three shows today of the sixth annual Nicholas Kovaleski Hometown Christmas. The top photo shows Rachel Curtin, principal of the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School, singing “Heaven Everywhere.”

She is among about 50 different performers today in the Hometown Christmas shows at the Holy Family Parish Lyceum.

Marcy Downey sings “Baby, It’s Cold Outisde” next to a cutout of Dean Martin.

There are 17 acts in the show, which is nearly two hours long.

Michayla Kovaleski and her mother Kelly sing a duet, “Hallelujah (Light Has Come)” during the noon show.

Hometown Christmas raises money for a memorial scholarship for Nicholas Kovaleski, who fought leukemia before passing away at age 15 on June 29, 2011. He was a popular student at Albion, excelling at football, swimming and tennis.

About $10,500 in scholarships in memory of Nicholas have been awarded to graduating Albion seniors. They write essays about community service and living with a purpose.

Mikayla Yaskulski, front, and Kate Krieger are part of a group that danced to the song, “Hello” by Adele. Many of the performers are dancers in the Gotta Dance by Miss Amy studio.

Rose Allen sings “Amazing Grace” to the crowd at the Lyceum.

Lauren Thomas dances to “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Michayla Kovaleski and Laiken Ricker also are in that group dance.